Thank you, Elise! When I went to pick up the equipment, I heard that the appetite for the literature was voracious. The whole DC area Hispanic Committee will be thrilled with these results. We look forward to hearing you in English tonight!
Gratefully,Lynn
Also comments from the Spanish speaking CSists at the lecture, that they appreciated the humility with which the lecture was given. They felt it helped the people connect with the message.
Thursday 30 April 2009
Spanish lecture in Rockville MD
This was a really good event. It was a lecture in a day workers organization called CASA. We started before the introducer arrived, because the people were assembled and the director started making announcements and introduced me. They were ready and off you go. I kept it short and concise, given the attention span and interest level of the assembly. Everyone stayed put and listened to the whole thing, except just a couple who were called into the office. Much better attention level than I expected. The staff got interested. The woman at the desk began listening and agreeing with points during the talk. She asked a good question (for the benefit of the others I’m sure) which let me talk about what is spiritual understanding.
There were around 50 people there. All the literature was taken. Everyone took the Bible and the secretary went over to get a copy for herself. There was a high interest in Science and Health. Since the copies were quickly taken other people took notes from the local contacts, as to where to get S&H etc. Several people talked with me as well, and I kept pointing them to the locals because I wanted them to make local connections. One man said specifically he was looking for a church, again I had him talk with a local.
This was a well conceived event. I’m hoping the CS community arranges with the staff to show up once a week on Thursdays for the next few weeks to follow up on this event. If a CSist shows up at about the same time 7:45 with literature, Heralds and some S&H and makes themselves known and available to talk with anyone who would like to pray about their situation, this would be a big blessing to the population as well as build a bridge between the CS church and these folks.
The seeds for a Spanish speaking group were in that room. There were both men and women interested in prayer and learning more. But my experience is that we have to go to them to establish an ongoing relationship. Then local CSists can discern who is interested in a Reading Room type experience or church or children for Sunday School, etc.
A lot of inspiration went into setting this up. The male director was skeptical right when we arrived, and I had to reassure him several times but he got behind it, and after I started, he became comfortable with what I was doing. Good work, to all those involved in the planning, prayer and execution of this event.
The Christ heals and saves in every language.
There were around 50 people there. All the literature was taken. Everyone took the Bible and the secretary went over to get a copy for herself. There was a high interest in Science and Health. Since the copies were quickly taken other people took notes from the local contacts, as to where to get S&H etc. Several people talked with me as well, and I kept pointing them to the locals because I wanted them to make local connections. One man said specifically he was looking for a church, again I had him talk with a local.
This was a well conceived event. I’m hoping the CS community arranges with the staff to show up once a week on Thursdays for the next few weeks to follow up on this event. If a CSist shows up at about the same time 7:45 with literature, Heralds and some S&H and makes themselves known and available to talk with anyone who would like to pray about their situation, this would be a big blessing to the population as well as build a bridge between the CS church and these folks.
The seeds for a Spanish speaking group were in that room. There were both men and women interested in prayer and learning more. But my experience is that we have to go to them to establish an ongoing relationship. Then local CSists can discern who is interested in a Reading Room type experience or church or children for Sunday School, etc.
A lot of inspiration went into setting this up. The male director was skeptical right when we arrived, and I had to reassure him several times but he got behind it, and after I started, he became comfortable with what I was doing. Good work, to all those involved in the planning, prayer and execution of this event.
The Christ heals and saves in every language.
Wednesday 29 April 2009
Reston VA
Remember this is my personal diary and place to vent....
Reston, VA
April 28, 2009
7:00pm
God is on the Job
Something is not right n this church and it showed up at the lecture prep and lecture. This group was very clingy all the way along, not able to find information when instructions were given, getting the information wrong, innumerable emails which frankly resulted in simply emails and no action.
When I arrived for the lecture prep, they had only 1 white board, no easel (it was propped up on a desk, what were they thinking was going to hold the white board the next day at the lecture) and children’s markers in bright colors with a line so fine it couldn’t be seen 15 feet away. They had also purchased 2 1x2 white boards thinking that 2 of them would make one larger board. What did they think would hold up 2 tiny boards? Then I hear that the venue for the lecture holds a max of 40 people! This was never mentioned in the deluge of emails coming from this committee.
I was really taken aback, since this group had communicated with me at least twice a week for months. There was underlying resistance to lecture and to the Manual provided activities. They had just had a Bible conference in their church the weekend before and had clearly expected more people there and had put more effort into that than the lecture. In fact I’d received an email basically saying I was being too demanding since they were already so busy with plans for this Bible seminar in their church.
They did manage to get an easel set up 5 minutes before the lecture started. Threw together a literature table at my recommendation outside the door of the venue. The introducer showed up, he hadn’t come to the prep, and actually started the introduction without looking at me and without my being in the room.
The room was so small that when visitors came by and would normally have come in, they stopped at the door and listened for a few minutes, but there were no seats and no room to stand even at the door. There was no ventilation and the room was very hot. The library said they couldn’t do anything about it. So we’d set up a fan pointing outward to create air circulation but no one could stand in the tiny doorway with this fan blowing at them. So the visitors would take some literature and leave. In four years of lecturing I’ve never seen anything like this.
Their last lecture had 75 people. What made them think a venue for 40 was suitable? One person wanted the venue in their specific town and so the lecture chair listened to the one person complaining. She said their lectures never got newcomers, and was surprised to learn that 3 newcomers came to this lecture. Actually more came but couldn’t get in.
The lecture itself went very well. A new student of Christian Science said this helped him understand how to pray, which he hadn’t understood from his reading the Bible Lesson. He asked if it was ok to pray for oneself or was that selfish. This is a question that comes from new students sometimes, and I was happy to encourage him. A newcomer bought Science and Health and said he never prayed but was very interesting in learning more about prayer. An Indian man, newcomer, left midway through the lecture when I started talking about Christ. My cousin came, which was a big surprise to me. None of my cousins have shown an interest in Christian Science since their dad was such a poor representative of it. But Ben drove from the farm where he is staying and took extensive notes. We went out to dinner afterward, his first Indian food, and then talked until midnight. It was a wonderful visit.
Reston, VA
April 28, 2009
7:00pm
God is on the Job
Something is not right n this church and it showed up at the lecture prep and lecture. This group was very clingy all the way along, not able to find information when instructions were given, getting the information wrong, innumerable emails which frankly resulted in simply emails and no action.
When I arrived for the lecture prep, they had only 1 white board, no easel (it was propped up on a desk, what were they thinking was going to hold the white board the next day at the lecture) and children’s markers in bright colors with a line so fine it couldn’t be seen 15 feet away. They had also purchased 2 1x2 white boards thinking that 2 of them would make one larger board. What did they think would hold up 2 tiny boards? Then I hear that the venue for the lecture holds a max of 40 people! This was never mentioned in the deluge of emails coming from this committee.
I was really taken aback, since this group had communicated with me at least twice a week for months. There was underlying resistance to lecture and to the Manual provided activities. They had just had a Bible conference in their church the weekend before and had clearly expected more people there and had put more effort into that than the lecture. In fact I’d received an email basically saying I was being too demanding since they were already so busy with plans for this Bible seminar in their church.
They did manage to get an easel set up 5 minutes before the lecture started. Threw together a literature table at my recommendation outside the door of the venue. The introducer showed up, he hadn’t come to the prep, and actually started the introduction without looking at me and without my being in the room.
The room was so small that when visitors came by and would normally have come in, they stopped at the door and listened for a few minutes, but there were no seats and no room to stand even at the door. There was no ventilation and the room was very hot. The library said they couldn’t do anything about it. So we’d set up a fan pointing outward to create air circulation but no one could stand in the tiny doorway with this fan blowing at them. So the visitors would take some literature and leave. In four years of lecturing I’ve never seen anything like this.
Their last lecture had 75 people. What made them think a venue for 40 was suitable? One person wanted the venue in their specific town and so the lecture chair listened to the one person complaining. She said their lectures never got newcomers, and was surprised to learn that 3 newcomers came to this lecture. Actually more came but couldn’t get in.
The lecture itself went very well. A new student of Christian Science said this helped him understand how to pray, which he hadn’t understood from his reading the Bible Lesson. He asked if it was ok to pray for oneself or was that selfish. This is a question that comes from new students sometimes, and I was happy to encourage him. A newcomer bought Science and Health and said he never prayed but was very interesting in learning more about prayer. An Indian man, newcomer, left midway through the lecture when I started talking about Christ. My cousin came, which was a big surprise to me. None of my cousins have shown an interest in Christian Science since their dad was such a poor representative of it. But Ben drove from the farm where he is staying and took extensive notes. We went out to dinner afterward, his first Indian food, and then talked until midnight. It was a wonderful visit.
Lower Hutt NZ feedback
We have had some fruitage:
1. A man has been attending our services and is so enthusiastic about what he's reading. He stood up on Wednesday and talked about his "spiritual journey" then read marked passages from several Sentinels and Journals.
2. Here is the text of an email from a woman who lives 50 minutes drive from Lower Hutt. Apparently she was class taught but attends her late husband's church.
Thank you Jenny for your letter of 10 April, which it was lovely to receive, and I do appreciate your copy of notes on the Beatitudes from the Lecture. Much more legible and full than mine and I am so glad to have them. I was sorry to have to slip away so quickly - the lecture ran over time somewhat, but I wouldnt have wanted to miss any of it, but as friends were expecting me for lunch at 12.30 and I had to traverse much of LHutt to get there, relying on my memory going back 22 years! (managed ok) I couldn't linger!
I thought it was an outstanding lecture, one of the best I've been to, and so relaxed, and your venue so suitable.
1. A man has been attending our services and is so enthusiastic about what he's reading. He stood up on Wednesday and talked about his "spiritual journey" then read marked passages from several Sentinels and Journals.
2. Here is the text of an email from a woman who lives 50 minutes drive from Lower Hutt. Apparently she was class taught but attends her late husband's church.
Thank you Jenny for your letter of 10 April, which it was lovely to receive, and I do appreciate your copy of notes on the Beatitudes from the Lecture. Much more legible and full than mine and I am so glad to have them. I was sorry to have to slip away so quickly - the lecture ran over time somewhat, but I wouldnt have wanted to miss any of it, but as friends were expecting me for lunch at 12.30 and I had to traverse much of LHutt to get there, relying on my memory going back 22 years! (managed ok) I couldn't linger!
I thought it was an outstanding lecture, one of the best I've been to, and so relaxed, and your venue so suitable.
Sunday 26 April 2009
Portsmouth VA
Portsmouth, VA
April 25, 2009
2:30pm
Library
Curing the Incurable
The prayer and advertising which this church did clearly reached the receptive thought. One newcomer remarked on entering that she had read the ad but wasn’t going to come because she lived in another town. But, she added, she just felt impelled by God to attend. She got a Science and Health and Journal afterward.
A man from another city said basically the same. He was sitting in church and heard the announcement read. He heard a voice in his thoughts tell him to attend, so he did. He said the lecture addressed his specific needs.
A visiting couple had questions afterward including, How do you tell the difference between righteousness and self-righteousness. Good question. So we looked at p115-116 of Science & Health together. Righteousness is the moral and spiritual qualities in the second and third degrees (Scientific Translation of Mortal Mind). Self-righteousness is the first degree. We talked about motive and how judging the difference between right and wrong isn't the same as criticizing or judgmentalism. They took a Science and Health on their way out.
Of the 70 people attending about 15 were newcomers. All of the Journals and Monitors which the church obtained for the lecture were taken by visitors. Seven Science & Healths were taken as well.
One person began attending the branch church two weeks prior to the lecture. Church members saw his appearance as a result of the same prayer for the lecture, embracing the spiritually minded in the community. He attended both the lecture prep and the lecture, reading one of the Bible passages aloud during the lecture from the very fine New American Standard Bible which provided a clear and inspired rendition of the passage.
Christian Scientists from neighboring communities came along with more than half a dozen teens and children. One six year old sat in the front row and watched in rapt attention for most of the hour.
This is a branch church where men are not only active but lead. There is a unique energy and vitality when men lead a lecture committee. When I arrived at the library the seating needed to be turned 90 degrees. With no discussion and only a split second hesitation, the men turned the entire venue around in less than 5 minutes. Everyone agreed afterward that the second configuration permitted the audience to see and hear more easily. But the grace and good humor in which this task was accomplished, I shall always remember and cherish. It was a privilege to lecture for this church of spiritual thinkers and doers.
From an email right after the lecture....
I learned a lot from both presentations. I'm a very visual learner, and I appreciated having so much on the boards. Although I know I've heard most of your presentation before, sometimes it's helpful to boil things down to a few essentials. I'll copy those passages down for quick reference. My friend Anne loved the talk. Her mother was a member of the Portsmouth church, but Anne has not been a member (I don't think). She's my mother's best friend and is a dear person.
April 25, 2009
2:30pm
Library
Curing the Incurable
The prayer and advertising which this church did clearly reached the receptive thought. One newcomer remarked on entering that she had read the ad but wasn’t going to come because she lived in another town. But, she added, she just felt impelled by God to attend. She got a Science and Health and Journal afterward.
A man from another city said basically the same. He was sitting in church and heard the announcement read. He heard a voice in his thoughts tell him to attend, so he did. He said the lecture addressed his specific needs.
A visiting couple had questions afterward including, How do you tell the difference between righteousness and self-righteousness. Good question. So we looked at p115-116 of Science & Health together. Righteousness is the moral and spiritual qualities in the second and third degrees (Scientific Translation of Mortal Mind). Self-righteousness is the first degree. We talked about motive and how judging the difference between right and wrong isn't the same as criticizing or judgmentalism. They took a Science and Health on their way out.
Of the 70 people attending about 15 were newcomers. All of the Journals and Monitors which the church obtained for the lecture were taken by visitors. Seven Science & Healths were taken as well.
One person began attending the branch church two weeks prior to the lecture. Church members saw his appearance as a result of the same prayer for the lecture, embracing the spiritually minded in the community. He attended both the lecture prep and the lecture, reading one of the Bible passages aloud during the lecture from the very fine New American Standard Bible which provided a clear and inspired rendition of the passage.
Christian Scientists from neighboring communities came along with more than half a dozen teens and children. One six year old sat in the front row and watched in rapt attention for most of the hour.
This is a branch church where men are not only active but lead. There is a unique energy and vitality when men lead a lecture committee. When I arrived at the library the seating needed to be turned 90 degrees. With no discussion and only a split second hesitation, the men turned the entire venue around in less than 5 minutes. Everyone agreed afterward that the second configuration permitted the audience to see and hear more easily. But the grace and good humor in which this task was accomplished, I shall always remember and cherish. It was a privilege to lecture for this church of spiritual thinkers and doers.
From an email right after the lecture....
I learned a lot from both presentations. I'm a very visual learner, and I appreciated having so much on the boards. Although I know I've heard most of your presentation before, sometimes it's helpful to boil things down to a few essentials. I'll copy those passages down for quick reference. My friend Anne loved the talk. Her mother was a member of the Portsmouth church, but Anne has not been a member (I don't think). She's my mother's best friend and is a dear person.
Saturday 25 April 2009
Portsmouth visit
The drive down was long and lovely. Since I sat for long periods on the roads around DC there was plenty of opportunity to appreciate the redbud, greening trees, and watch spring arrive in a few hours. From the flowers and bare trees of Newark to the azaleas and fully green trees in Portsmouth, it was a gorgeous drive. Long, but gorgeous. Five hours stretched to more than six, but I talked to Dave until my phone ran out of charge. Listened to audible books until I tired of listening. And enjoyed peaceful, prayerful thoughts inbetween it all.
Had a lovely lunch with Ellen who I haven't seen in several years. What a delight! She is charming and beautiful and spiritually minded as ever. It was a delight just to listen to her thoughts and unfoldments. We had lunch at a lovely local seafood restaurant, Amory's, very close to the hotel. Had she-crab soup. Best ever, lots of crab, and scallops. Meant to take a walk, but one phone call after another. So finally went to dinner at 8:30 to KFC. Then walked outside the mall for 45 minutes in the dark. The security guy stopped and mentioned I was walking a lot but in a kind fatherly, I'm keeping an eye out for you way. It's nice to be back in the south. Hopefully tomorrow I'll have some time to get out and enjoy this warm weather. It was at least 90 today, but much cooler when I was walking at 9-10pm.
Finished the Poirot "Sad Cypress" read by David Suchet. He is an exquisite reader. The story was lovely. I'm recognizing some common threads and comments made by the author. She has definite views on the difference between thought and action, ie hating someone and doing something about it are two very different things. I can see why her stories remain popular. They deal with motive and thought, not just violence.
I need to do the laundry. Been putting it off. Where is David when I need him? He just makes these things go away while I take care of other things. I just have to bite the bullet tomorrow after the lecture. And had the intuition to check the Turkey reservations. Had a disconnect on the flights and hotels, missing a day of hotel, which I fixed. Thank you Father.
Had a lovely lunch with Ellen who I haven't seen in several years. What a delight! She is charming and beautiful and spiritually minded as ever. It was a delight just to listen to her thoughts and unfoldments. We had lunch at a lovely local seafood restaurant, Amory's, very close to the hotel. Had she-crab soup. Best ever, lots of crab, and scallops. Meant to take a walk, but one phone call after another. So finally went to dinner at 8:30 to KFC. Then walked outside the mall for 45 minutes in the dark. The security guy stopped and mentioned I was walking a lot but in a kind fatherly, I'm keeping an eye out for you way. It's nice to be back in the south. Hopefully tomorrow I'll have some time to get out and enjoy this warm weather. It was at least 90 today, but much cooler when I was walking at 9-10pm.
Finished the Poirot "Sad Cypress" read by David Suchet. He is an exquisite reader. The story was lovely. I'm recognizing some common threads and comments made by the author. She has definite views on the difference between thought and action, ie hating someone and doing something about it are two very different things. I can see why her stories remain popular. They deal with motive and thought, not just violence.
I need to do the laundry. Been putting it off. Where is David when I need him? He just makes these things go away while I take care of other things. I just have to bite the bullet tomorrow after the lecture. And had the intuition to check the Turkey reservations. Had a disconnect on the flights and hotels, missing a day of hotel, which I fixed. Thank you Father.
Newark feedback
Hi there and a million thanks for your workshop lecture which you gave in Newark, DE, thursday night. It was great! And you had the entire audience with you! no sleeping, no boredom, no glazed over eyes!
I am a former Journal-listed practitioner, 85, and can truthfully say that yours is the best lecture I have ever heard. Is it possible to have a copy of this lecture? Or may I have a listing of your articles in the Bound Volumes?
I especially enjoyed your teaching how to research, how to gain from using concordances and translations, how to use the first sentence in "Prayer", and all the examples of healing. I especially like your two methods of prayer/treatment -- machete or helicopter. Working from God's point of view with God's viewpoint cut right to the chase. Very good to have the handout of the Beatitudes to work together for newer solutions.
Thank you again and I join God in blessing you.
- Mary Margaret
I am a former Journal-listed practitioner, 85, and can truthfully say that yours is the best lecture I have ever heard. Is it possible to have a copy of this lecture? Or may I have a listing of your articles in the Bound Volumes?
I especially enjoyed your teaching how to research, how to gain from using concordances and translations, how to use the first sentence in "Prayer", and all the examples of healing. I especially like your two methods of prayer/treatment -- machete or helicopter. Working from God's point of view with God's viewpoint cut right to the chase. Very good to have the handout of the Beatitudes to work together for newer solutions.
Thank you again and I join God in blessing you.
- Mary Margaret
NYC feedback
I was delighted to get this from Amy R.
Hi there --We had a Q&A on CS in our RRM this afternoon. A visitor to the lecture showed up. He said he really loved your lecture. He'd originally thought it was the Monday before and he showed up at the church and it was closed, so then he thought he wasn't going to go. But even though it was pouring rain, he didn't want to miss it the next week so he came. He bought MBE: Christian Healer on your recommendation in the lecture and he's loving it.
Another woman (member) showed up. This is funny. She said to me, "I loved your lecture. It's the best one I've ever been to." I realized that she thought I was you. :) I did not take credit. lol.
Hi there --We had a Q&A on CS in our RRM this afternoon. A visitor to the lecture showed up. He said he really loved your lecture. He'd originally thought it was the Monday before and he showed up at the church and it was closed, so then he thought he wasn't going to go. But even though it was pouring rain, he didn't want to miss it the next week so he came. He bought MBE: Christian Healer on your recommendation in the lecture and he's loving it.
Another woman (member) showed up. This is funny. She said to me, "I loved your lecture. It's the best one I've ever been to." I realized that she thought I was you. :) I did not take credit. lol.
Friday 24 April 2009
Lecture's healing power after lay off
Thank you very, very, very much for that wonderful lecture tonight. Familiar words, fresh ideas! I was nearly over my employment news from yesterday, with only a few questions and a few less-than-attractive thoughts that I just couldn't shake. As I listened to you talk tonight about the not-so-new concept of spiritualizing thought, some very new ideas of how to think about employment, administration, students and colleagues came to me, and I'm fairly sure that I'm now over yesterday's news. The talk about wandering around in the wilderness for 40 yrs was what pushed me off the tail end of my wilderness path, and thanks to that story, I'm already entering the promised land. I don't yet know what it looks like exactly, but I am basking in the promise of its glory. I don't know how to explain it any other way.
Wellington NZ feedback
I loved your lecture in Wellington, NZ recently & wanted to say thank you very much for your love & dedication of the movement & for coming to share with us. Sorry I didn't come & thank you then or introduce myself but I had to leave shortly after.... Thanks for your assistance as I know you are a very busy woman - and a truly inspirational one!
With love,
Denise
With love,
Denise
Thursday 23 April 2009
60 people attended the lecture in Newark, DE with 18 newcomers. They sold one Science and Health and gave a lot of Sentinels. A visitor from Bulgaria enjoyed the helicopter view of prayer. An African-American told me he isn't a Christian Scientist but he learned a lot about prayer tonight. He said he now had lots of specific ways to improve his prayer life and that he was glad he'd come with his sister, who is studying Christian Science. A fifteen year old took extensive notes filling a sheet of paper. When his mother asked if he liked it, he said he now knew how to pray. Several visitors told me it was practical. Others liked that the talk was based in the Bible.
Several church members expressed gratitude for the lecture prep, saying it was just what they needed. Christian Scientists attended from nearby cities including Princeton and West Chester.
Several church members expressed gratitude for the lecture prep, saying it was just what they needed. Christian Scientists attended from nearby cities including Princeton and West Chester.
Wednesday 22 April 2009
Newark
After I left you today everyone I passed, and I mean everyone I saw caught my eye and said hello, stopped to talk or ask questions, or asked 'how are you doing' and then actually waited for an answer. I knew none of these people! At first it was spooky, (not typical behaviour from people around here) but then I realized that you were so clearly seeing me as God's idea and I was feeling it and others were seeing it and that's what all the encounters were about! What a humbling afternoon!
Tuesday 21 April 2009
NYC feedback
LOVED your talk last night. When we left Lucia turned to me and said, "That was fun!" Thanks for coming to NYC and sharing all your great stories!"
-Amy (Lucia is 12 yr old daughter)
Thank you so much - -
I have received many words of praise and gratitude for both the lecture and the lecture prep. Liz and I are most grateful for the time you spent with us on Sunday afternoon discussing prayerful solutions for our challenges.
Dora
-Amy (Lucia is 12 yr old daughter)
Thank you so much - -
I have received many words of praise and gratitude for both the lecture and the lecture prep. Liz and I are most grateful for the time you spent with us on Sunday afternoon discussing prayerful solutions for our challenges.
Dora
Monday 20 April 2009
NYC lecture and amazing day
This was such an amazing day. I couldn't sleep last night. This rarely, basically never happens. But my thought kept feeling the need to work metaphysically. So I worked on no personality, the real individuality, just like I do in Latin America. It occurred to me that it was relevant, probably more relevant than I realized. I also kept thinking about the need to retitle Being God's Song. I finally turned on the light and filled the hotel stationary with possible titles and word associations. But as I filled all the pages and turned it over to start on the back sides, I suddenly realized that I wasn't retitling the lecture, I was thinking about good titles rather than the lecture. So I took it out and read through the lecture. Then it came to me, The Healing Power of the Bible. This is a title that had occurred to me weeks ago, but I thought it was for a new lecture. I'd prayed last night for what was blocking my thought. I was willing to think beyond what was coming to me. I had no desire to be willful about a title. But the blockage was in thinking that the title hadn't already come to me. God had already given me the title. I didn't need to think about anything more. Instantly I was peaceful and went to sleep.
I'm going to let Pam know to retitle that lecture. I'm going to completely drop the other titles for it, they haven't been particularly effective. That lecture has only been given maybe a dozen times. And I had a thought of how to start the lecture with a story instead of theology. I need to remember to work on that later.
So I got up a bit late, but made it to breakfast. I love Holiday Inn Express, delicious eggs with real cheese in them not Kraft slices, spicy sausage patties and their incomparable cinnamon rolls. Ahhhhh. I'd read the Bible lesson in the middle of the night or early morning, so I started praying for folks and what happens but I get a phone call from someone who wants to go through class. It occurred to me immediately that I should take this person. Since they don't have an email, I just did the application in the form of an interview over the phone. This is a first, but it felt right. I'm thinking I need to remember this for the future and not make the process so formal for some folks. Sometimes the formal is needed, especially when I'm not sure this is the right time or place for someone. Gives them time to think. Anyway, another member of class.
This made me a little late or rather the time schedule I"d had for myself was blown. So I got ready to leave, marched into the rain and since I was late to meet Nancy took a cab. When we had only gone a few blocks, the tab was approaching $5 I thought, this isn't working. So I paid him, bailed out, as I noticed we were at Penn Station and went for the subway. My first venture into the NY subway since I was in the 20s and had a B&H person hauling me around Manhattan giving demonstrations and teaching things. Anyway, was at the perfect entrance. Bought a day pass, and felt like a pro. The train dropped me right at the door of the Museum of Natural History where Nancy and I were meeting. But after I'd stood in the line for 5 minutes, it occurred to me that this wasn't the main entrance, eventhough she had also come by train. And that she would have walked around to the main entrance and was waiting for me there. So I did that and there she was at the head of the line waiting for me. She'd been there for at least 20 minutes probably half an hour. But we got tickets right away and for the planetarium show.
We had such fun. We had all the same interests. We wandered around what was right there on that floor. She talked non-stop the entire time. She just had lots to say and I was interested to hear it. So we wandered, stopped at some displays and read them. Looked at animals from India. Saw some lovely carving from Japan in ivory. Went to the bird exhibit and spent lots of time looking at all the birds and trying to figure out from their diagrams what the names of the various birds were. She was just as interested as I was. I can't think of anyone else who would have gotten excited about stuffed birds from around the world, finding them hidden in the diorama and figuring out their names. Some of them I recognized, of course the ones from Congo were all new. I didn't think the Australia display was very good. The birds in Australia are amazing, with 14 species of parrots, and then the lorikeets etc. They only had Eastern Rosellas and Crimson Rosellas along with some bush birds. No rainbow lorikeets!!! I couldn't believe it. Surely someone could send them a recently deceased lorikeet for their collection.
Anyway, she'd set an alarm so we wouldn't miss the planetarium show. That building is huge. We had to ask several times. We rushed past displays that I would have loved to see. The ocean things looked fascinating. Completely missed the gem and mineral display (she did too turns out it closes at 1pm why wasn't that on the brochure they gave us?) Anyway, we walked right into the planetarium show, Cosmic Collisions, narrated by Robert Redford. It was really good. The current theory is that the moon was formed by a collision of a planet type thing with the earth while it was forming and in a belt or band of forming planets. The collision created a huge rubble mass most of which fell back into the earth. But larger chunks collided together and within a month formed the moon, meaning that there were two bodies with enough gravity for the rubble to fall into. I think that's a lame theory. No explanation of why the entire moon didn't fall back into the earth or how it established such a balanced perpetual relationship with the earth that its orbit isn't degrading and eventually pulling the moon into the earth. That's not happening, and no explanation for such inter-relationship and balance. Anyway, it made for great pictures.
And they have the floor vibrate and the seats shake so you really feel as well as hear and see the show. They talked about sun spots and solar wind storms, and what protects us from them. The effect on a satelite of solar winds. Really good show. I'd love to take Cory and Denize. They would love this place. I found myself plotting how I might get them up to New York for a couple days. Maybe Cory is too young but Denize and I would have a blast.
Anyway, we ate lunch in their food court, build your own salad and some great baked beans. They had pulled pork, but we'd just eaten that wonderful bbq sandwich in Tucson. I left via subway after 2, got home, and took a nap. Slept for over an hour, which I really needed, got ready for the lecture, used the subway and made it to the lecture site in good time. Huge building set for 300. I think they had 100. Great sound, excellent stage set. Well done. This church had been resisting the white boards, but they're glad they did it.
I was introduced by Georgia. She did a lovely job. Not sure why they didn't have her on the stage. That was odd. Should have just given her the hand held mike, but they didn't ask me and it was too late to change it. So I stood on the floor beside her, then ran up the stairs to the stage.
Lecture went well. They didn't count, but I think they had about 100 with maybe 10 visitors. Good participation, clearly the audience hadn't expected to participate. Lots of people took notes. By the end several people had tears, including Georgia, so they were feeling the Christ spirit. It was an upper room atmosphere.
The comments afterward were very good. Several people asked about praying about specific situations. One man said he wished he could get together with people and talk about the fruitage and experiences that came from this lecture and using these types of prayer. I pointed out to him that the church had planned such a meeting for the following Saturday and referred him to their calendar. I think he might come.
Another man said he'd trained over 900 people in public speaking in his career and said I was one of the best. He said I talked with people instead of at them. I know what he means, but it was very nice to hear that a professional like him felt it. It was a very nice compliment being that I was in NYC and have had no such formal training. God is the best trainer.
A visitor, African American, thanked me for being specific and that I'd given him so much to pray with. He verbalized how much work went into making it uncluttered and simple for the listener. He must perform himself, because he really got it.
I was there talking to people for about an hour. The church seemed happy. They had begun talking to me about coming back during the lunch after the lecture prep. They were talking about it again after the lecture. We'll see what God says.
I found out that this church is in the midst of a big controversy. They have an arrangement with a catering company who uses the building during off hours for big parties, and serves wine, looking to be a liquor license. It's split the church. Half the church has left. They are down to about 12 members in a behemoth building. So the lecture prep on church growth was relevant. I had so many of the members tell me that they had begun praying with the ideas and prayers already from the prep already. It's a lovely group. They are trying to think out of the box. They might have gotten over their heads but if they keep God first, God will straighten things.
Georgia had asked me after the prep if I had time for an appointment to talk with her. I'd suggested after the lecture which worked for her. So I slipped her a card before we started for that Italian restaurant we'd eaten at the day before. It's only a couple blocks from church. So it turned out we left together and had a lovely dinner. She paid for it. I requested the same waiter, David. We closed the place or rather they kept it open until we were done eating. Very kind of them. We stayed until almost midnight. Had a marvelous salad, and split a pasta dish with delicious shrimp, mushrooms and artichokes. Oh my this place is good. Pane e Vino on Lexington between 61st and 62nd, don't miss it and tell David that Elise sent you. Anyway, we also split a tiramisu. She'd never had it before, ever, and I couldn't resist having it again.
While we were talking and eating dinner, we sat at the same table that I'd sat before right by the window. Two men walked by and suddenly stopped, looked in the window and said how great the lecture was and how much they enjoyed it. It was so....surprising. i thought it was lovely. I'm a complete stranger and it made me feel so at home to be recognized and to have them thank me for the lecture. It was great. She was quite taken as well. I don't think she recognized the men. They weren't members of that church.
Anyway, we talked about the church situation. I shared some thoughts that seemed helpful. We talked about her touring. I'll never complain. She does 8 shows a week, only one day off and there are 40 people in the company so she is never alone. I can't imagine. She wondered if I was ever lonely when David wasn't with me. No, I'm always busy with things I need to do, and I'm never alone because God is with me. But it was a great chat. I told her about the 2 person church and the lady in Mexico and her lectures. She got the point that numbers don't matter and that as long as we put God first, make God the first priority, things work out. I also talked about bringing church to people instead of bringing people to church. She understood that. She thanked me several times for my life, for living my life the way I did and doing what I do. It was an interesting thing to say. I'm not sure if she says it to everyone or if it was something that was specific with me. But she said it enough that it made an impression. She talked about me being on fire for church and how that was felt and how it was the right timing for their church, and might have saved their church from "death". She wasn't supposed to be the one introducing me, but said how grateful she was that she did and had this opportunity to talk together. It had given her a boost that she needed. When she got off the road 3 weeks ago she discovered her apartment had been flooded. She's been sleeping on other people's couches and they ripped all the plaster off the walls and ceilings. She's living in a war zone, and the church being a war zone. I can understand how difficult this has been for her. Then all her friends have left the church including her practitioner and teacher. Her Association won't meet in the church, and a teacher from Boston basically told her she had to leave the church. I just told her to put God first and not be intimidated. She's on the board. The church needs to not be intimidated, by the catering company, by anyone. Put God first and not be intimated. God will work things out, overturn, overturn until He come whose right it is. I don't know the answer but God does.
I was glad she told me I was on fire and that my being on fire is felt by others. It reminds me that during the teachers' meeting I don't need to feel defensive but know that I'm already doing what they want us to do. It's the old 99-1 TMC approach. They want to get a message to the 1 person so they hold a meeting for the 99. I don't need to feel they are preaching at me. I was so grateful to think this through while she was talking. That was my gift from the conversation, and I will remember it because it came from her.
We finally left at almost midnight. She paid the bill and gave David an extra tip. Then we stood outside under the awning and finished talking about the Mexico lectures. I mentioned the workshops in the funeral home. She was aghast but realized why I wasn't too concerned about place. It was the right place at that moment, at that time. I think the stories helped her.
David recognized her and asked if she was in movies. She said television and let it go at that. I think the cab guy recognized her as well.
He was from Turkey. We talked about our upcoming trip and then he talked about going to Egypt. We compared where he is going and where we went. When I got out I gave him a Sentinel. I've managed to give a Sentinel a day just like I've committed, but not a Herald a day. I need to work on that more. There are Spanish speakers all over this hotel. I'm just not focussing on it enough. Anyway, when I handed him the Sentinel he was thrilled. He said, "I love things like this." He immediately turned on his light and started looking at it. He stayed there for a minute or two before he drove off. God is on the job and we can bring church to the people instead of waiting for the people to come to church.
I'm going to let Pam know to retitle that lecture. I'm going to completely drop the other titles for it, they haven't been particularly effective. That lecture has only been given maybe a dozen times. And I had a thought of how to start the lecture with a story instead of theology. I need to remember to work on that later.
So I got up a bit late, but made it to breakfast. I love Holiday Inn Express, delicious eggs with real cheese in them not Kraft slices, spicy sausage patties and their incomparable cinnamon rolls. Ahhhhh. I'd read the Bible lesson in the middle of the night or early morning, so I started praying for folks and what happens but I get a phone call from someone who wants to go through class. It occurred to me immediately that I should take this person. Since they don't have an email, I just did the application in the form of an interview over the phone. This is a first, but it felt right. I'm thinking I need to remember this for the future and not make the process so formal for some folks. Sometimes the formal is needed, especially when I'm not sure this is the right time or place for someone. Gives them time to think. Anyway, another member of class.
This made me a little late or rather the time schedule I"d had for myself was blown. So I got ready to leave, marched into the rain and since I was late to meet Nancy took a cab. When we had only gone a few blocks, the tab was approaching $5 I thought, this isn't working. So I paid him, bailed out, as I noticed we were at Penn Station and went for the subway. My first venture into the NY subway since I was in the 20s and had a B&H person hauling me around Manhattan giving demonstrations and teaching things. Anyway, was at the perfect entrance. Bought a day pass, and felt like a pro. The train dropped me right at the door of the Museum of Natural History where Nancy and I were meeting. But after I'd stood in the line for 5 minutes, it occurred to me that this wasn't the main entrance, eventhough she had also come by train. And that she would have walked around to the main entrance and was waiting for me there. So I did that and there she was at the head of the line waiting for me. She'd been there for at least 20 minutes probably half an hour. But we got tickets right away and for the planetarium show.
We had such fun. We had all the same interests. We wandered around what was right there on that floor. She talked non-stop the entire time. She just had lots to say and I was interested to hear it. So we wandered, stopped at some displays and read them. Looked at animals from India. Saw some lovely carving from Japan in ivory. Went to the bird exhibit and spent lots of time looking at all the birds and trying to figure out from their diagrams what the names of the various birds were. She was just as interested as I was. I can't think of anyone else who would have gotten excited about stuffed birds from around the world, finding them hidden in the diorama and figuring out their names. Some of them I recognized, of course the ones from Congo were all new. I didn't think the Australia display was very good. The birds in Australia are amazing, with 14 species of parrots, and then the lorikeets etc. They only had Eastern Rosellas and Crimson Rosellas along with some bush birds. No rainbow lorikeets!!! I couldn't believe it. Surely someone could send them a recently deceased lorikeet for their collection.
Anyway, she'd set an alarm so we wouldn't miss the planetarium show. That building is huge. We had to ask several times. We rushed past displays that I would have loved to see. The ocean things looked fascinating. Completely missed the gem and mineral display (she did too turns out it closes at 1pm why wasn't that on the brochure they gave us?) Anyway, we walked right into the planetarium show, Cosmic Collisions, narrated by Robert Redford. It was really good. The current theory is that the moon was formed by a collision of a planet type thing with the earth while it was forming and in a belt or band of forming planets. The collision created a huge rubble mass most of which fell back into the earth. But larger chunks collided together and within a month formed the moon, meaning that there were two bodies with enough gravity for the rubble to fall into. I think that's a lame theory. No explanation of why the entire moon didn't fall back into the earth or how it established such a balanced perpetual relationship with the earth that its orbit isn't degrading and eventually pulling the moon into the earth. That's not happening, and no explanation for such inter-relationship and balance. Anyway, it made for great pictures.
And they have the floor vibrate and the seats shake so you really feel as well as hear and see the show. They talked about sun spots and solar wind storms, and what protects us from them. The effect on a satelite of solar winds. Really good show. I'd love to take Cory and Denize. They would love this place. I found myself plotting how I might get them up to New York for a couple days. Maybe Cory is too young but Denize and I would have a blast.
Anyway, we ate lunch in their food court, build your own salad and some great baked beans. They had pulled pork, but we'd just eaten that wonderful bbq sandwich in Tucson. I left via subway after 2, got home, and took a nap. Slept for over an hour, which I really needed, got ready for the lecture, used the subway and made it to the lecture site in good time. Huge building set for 300. I think they had 100. Great sound, excellent stage set. Well done. This church had been resisting the white boards, but they're glad they did it.
I was introduced by Georgia. She did a lovely job. Not sure why they didn't have her on the stage. That was odd. Should have just given her the hand held mike, but they didn't ask me and it was too late to change it. So I stood on the floor beside her, then ran up the stairs to the stage.
Lecture went well. They didn't count, but I think they had about 100 with maybe 10 visitors. Good participation, clearly the audience hadn't expected to participate. Lots of people took notes. By the end several people had tears, including Georgia, so they were feeling the Christ spirit. It was an upper room atmosphere.
The comments afterward were very good. Several people asked about praying about specific situations. One man said he wished he could get together with people and talk about the fruitage and experiences that came from this lecture and using these types of prayer. I pointed out to him that the church had planned such a meeting for the following Saturday and referred him to their calendar. I think he might come.
Another man said he'd trained over 900 people in public speaking in his career and said I was one of the best. He said I talked with people instead of at them. I know what he means, but it was very nice to hear that a professional like him felt it. It was a very nice compliment being that I was in NYC and have had no such formal training. God is the best trainer.
A visitor, African American, thanked me for being specific and that I'd given him so much to pray with. He verbalized how much work went into making it uncluttered and simple for the listener. He must perform himself, because he really got it.
I was there talking to people for about an hour. The church seemed happy. They had begun talking to me about coming back during the lunch after the lecture prep. They were talking about it again after the lecture. We'll see what God says.
I found out that this church is in the midst of a big controversy. They have an arrangement with a catering company who uses the building during off hours for big parties, and serves wine, looking to be a liquor license. It's split the church. Half the church has left. They are down to about 12 members in a behemoth building. So the lecture prep on church growth was relevant. I had so many of the members tell me that they had begun praying with the ideas and prayers already from the prep already. It's a lovely group. They are trying to think out of the box. They might have gotten over their heads but if they keep God first, God will straighten things.
Georgia had asked me after the prep if I had time for an appointment to talk with her. I'd suggested after the lecture which worked for her. So I slipped her a card before we started for that Italian restaurant we'd eaten at the day before. It's only a couple blocks from church. So it turned out we left together and had a lovely dinner. She paid for it. I requested the same waiter, David. We closed the place or rather they kept it open until we were done eating. Very kind of them. We stayed until almost midnight. Had a marvelous salad, and split a pasta dish with delicious shrimp, mushrooms and artichokes. Oh my this place is good. Pane e Vino on Lexington between 61st and 62nd, don't miss it and tell David that Elise sent you. Anyway, we also split a tiramisu. She'd never had it before, ever, and I couldn't resist having it again.
While we were talking and eating dinner, we sat at the same table that I'd sat before right by the window. Two men walked by and suddenly stopped, looked in the window and said how great the lecture was and how much they enjoyed it. It was so....surprising. i thought it was lovely. I'm a complete stranger and it made me feel so at home to be recognized and to have them thank me for the lecture. It was great. She was quite taken as well. I don't think she recognized the men. They weren't members of that church.
Anyway, we talked about the church situation. I shared some thoughts that seemed helpful. We talked about her touring. I'll never complain. She does 8 shows a week, only one day off and there are 40 people in the company so she is never alone. I can't imagine. She wondered if I was ever lonely when David wasn't with me. No, I'm always busy with things I need to do, and I'm never alone because God is with me. But it was a great chat. I told her about the 2 person church and the lady in Mexico and her lectures. She got the point that numbers don't matter and that as long as we put God first, make God the first priority, things work out. I also talked about bringing church to people instead of bringing people to church. She understood that. She thanked me several times for my life, for living my life the way I did and doing what I do. It was an interesting thing to say. I'm not sure if she says it to everyone or if it was something that was specific with me. But she said it enough that it made an impression. She talked about me being on fire for church and how that was felt and how it was the right timing for their church, and might have saved their church from "death". She wasn't supposed to be the one introducing me, but said how grateful she was that she did and had this opportunity to talk together. It had given her a boost that she needed. When she got off the road 3 weeks ago she discovered her apartment had been flooded. She's been sleeping on other people's couches and they ripped all the plaster off the walls and ceilings. She's living in a war zone, and the church being a war zone. I can understand how difficult this has been for her. Then all her friends have left the church including her practitioner and teacher. Her Association won't meet in the church, and a teacher from Boston basically told her she had to leave the church. I just told her to put God first and not be intimidated. She's on the board. The church needs to not be intimidated, by the catering company, by anyone. Put God first and not be intimated. God will work things out, overturn, overturn until He come whose right it is. I don't know the answer but God does.
I was glad she told me I was on fire and that my being on fire is felt by others. It reminds me that during the teachers' meeting I don't need to feel defensive but know that I'm already doing what they want us to do. It's the old 99-1 TMC approach. They want to get a message to the 1 person so they hold a meeting for the 99. I don't need to feel they are preaching at me. I was so grateful to think this through while she was talking. That was my gift from the conversation, and I will remember it because it came from her.
We finally left at almost midnight. She paid the bill and gave David an extra tip. Then we stood outside under the awning and finished talking about the Mexico lectures. I mentioned the workshops in the funeral home. She was aghast but realized why I wasn't too concerned about place. It was the right place at that moment, at that time. I think the stories helped her.
David recognized her and asked if she was in movies. She said television and let it go at that. I think the cab guy recognized her as well.
He was from Turkey. We talked about our upcoming trip and then he talked about going to Egypt. We compared where he is going and where we went. When I got out I gave him a Sentinel. I've managed to give a Sentinel a day just like I've committed, but not a Herald a day. I need to work on that more. There are Spanish speakers all over this hotel. I'm just not focussing on it enough. Anyway, when I handed him the Sentinel he was thrilled. He said, "I love things like this." He immediately turned on his light and started looking at it. He stayed there for a minute or two before he drove off. God is on the job and we can bring church to the people instead of waiting for the people to come to church.
Sunday 19 April 2009
Right track
Thank you so much for your thoughts and ideas. I am doing my best each day to strive to let God lead me the right way. I know that I am on the right path, and I thank God each day that I have you to talk to and ask for help as I need it. It has been many, many years since I have had that.
- C. S.
- C. S.
Prep in NYC
What a delightful group, and a surprise. Maybe a dozen people in a small room on the fourth floor of this behemoth church which they have reconfigured for a company that does catering on the main floor. The prep was lively, full of joy. When I asked the question, What do you think the disciples did for ten days in the upper room? One of the first answers was "Dance!" To be quickly followed by "Sing!". Ah New York. First time I've gotten applause before I opened my mouth. They applauded when I was introduced. Fortunately they applauded after the prep too.
The committee took me to an amazing Italian restaurant around the corner from the church. Now if all Italian was like this, I'm a fan. Pane e Vino Restuarant 91 Lexintgon Ave between 61 and 62 St. I want to go again, already. Had delicious scallop and mussel entree with pasta, marvelous salad and tiramisu, best I've ever had, lovely mocha flavor. Can't wait to go back. Everything on the menu sounded good.
Wonderful conversation about fresh views and connecting with the spiritually minded, whereby they invited the waiter to the lecture. He's working, so I have him a Sentinel with the new card attached. He started looking at it and read an article while we were eating.
The committee took me to an amazing Italian restaurant around the corner from the church. Now if all Italian was like this, I'm a fan. Pane e Vino Restuarant 91 Lexintgon Ave between 61 and 62 St. I want to go again, already. Had delicious scallop and mussel entree with pasta, marvelous salad and tiramisu, best I've ever had, lovely mocha flavor. Can't wait to go back. Everything on the menu sounded good.
Wonderful conversation about fresh views and connecting with the spiritually minded, whereby they invited the waiter to the lecture. He's working, so I have him a Sentinel with the new card attached. He started looking at it and read an article while we were eating.
New York surprise
What a surprise! When I arrived at the Hilton Garden Hotel near JFK airport I was the guest of the day, which meant free dinner! I already had a free breakfast with the reservation. So I had fillet and a lovely salad with vegies. Ahhh, what a delight.
Stayed up way too late, but I was 3 hours off. So I went to bed at 11pm my time, have to shift around tomorrow. But I was listening to this delightful story by Susan Wittig Albert, Hawthorne House, read by this marvelous English actress. It was so charming, like a Beatrix Potter story, that I just kept saying to myself, one more chapter until it was all over. Such a sweet and satisfying story, charmingly read.
This morning, perfect adventure coming into the city, navigating Jamaica Station. Easier since we've done it before when we went to Egypt. No problems in Penn Station ,but it is way bigger than I thought it would be, mammoth in fact. Have to go early for my train to Delaware. Now at HI Express. A delightful concierge has let me set up in their breakfast room with electric plug for my computer and all. So I'll get to pray and work for patients before leaving for the prep in an hour or so. Truly harmonious.
Stayed up way too late, but I was 3 hours off. So I went to bed at 11pm my time, have to shift around tomorrow. But I was listening to this delightful story by Susan Wittig Albert, Hawthorne House, read by this marvelous English actress. It was so charming, like a Beatrix Potter story, that I just kept saying to myself, one more chapter until it was all over. Such a sweet and satisfying story, charmingly read.
This morning, perfect adventure coming into the city, navigating Jamaica Station. Easier since we've done it before when we went to Egypt. No problems in Penn Station ,but it is way bigger than I thought it would be, mammoth in fact. Have to go early for my train to Delaware. Now at HI Express. A delightful concierge has let me set up in their breakfast room with electric plug for my computer and all. So I'll get to pray and work for patients before leaving for the prep in an hour or so. Truly harmonious.
One Mind
The ideas that we discussed were exactly what I was needing to hear. Your thoughts have resonated with me ever since, blessing both myself and my patients. It makes me feel very loved by God that He placed the perfect person in my path. Thank you for all that you do for the world, your good work is obviously divinely acknowledged.
Much love
Beth.
Much love
Beth.
Friday 17 April 2009
Testimonies from Conroe TX
Elise,
There have been at least 30 testimonies referring to using ideas from this lecture "God is Speaking to You" and the prep meeting. We truly appreciate you and your dedication to this heavenly work!
-Carolyn
Your lecture made me so aware of God speaking to us every moment. I try and listen to that small voice all the time now. When I don't listen that seems to be when error tries to talk to me, and I become very aware to guard my thinking then. So a big Texas thanks.
- Jim
The way you expressed faith and the mustard seed has helped me so much, being the smallest of all seeds and growing big very quickly. Makes me know that my faith however so small can grow rapidly. I use this often and have had healings.
- Emily
There have been at least 30 testimonies referring to using ideas from this lecture "God is Speaking to You" and the prep meeting. We truly appreciate you and your dedication to this heavenly work!
-Carolyn
Your lecture made me so aware of God speaking to us every moment. I try and listen to that small voice all the time now. When I don't listen that seems to be when error tries to talk to me, and I become very aware to guard my thinking then. So a big Texas thanks.
- Jim
The way you expressed faith and the mustard seed has helped me so much, being the smallest of all seeds and growing big very quickly. Makes me know that my faith however so small can grow rapidly. I use this often and have had healings.
- Emily
Healing results - Conroe TX lecture
"The lecture 'God is Speaking to Yu' has obviously touched everyone who heard it. From the Wednesday testimonial meetings where attendance has almost doubled, the testifiers were using the clear way expleained, how we listen - tune out, tune in, listen and obey; to the prison where this lecture was given on Saturday 1-17-09. Our next Christian Science service was on the first Saturday in February. There was more freedom of discussion (at the prison) and again those words - tune out the static, tune in to God good, listen and obey, as well as the testimonies that were shared by the lecturer.
Many members have said that they shared the testimonies shared in this talk with a number of people who also expressed how wonderful these ideas were that God really was talking to us all! It was such an inclusive idea, no boundaries of religion, age, gender or prisoners. All were included and they seemed to obviously feel it.
Also, it was expressed by most all of our church members that the prep meeting was excellent! We passed out outlines of the things to pray about daily and to handle animal magnetism for church. Also that church relates with the chapter 'Marriage' in Science and Health.
Our church had not had a public lecture for some time and had never had a prison lecture. They felt the public lecture was very well attended. We hd to add chairs and estimate attendance to have been close to 80. The prison lecture too was well attended with several new faces.
Because of how Elise shared this wonderful message of Truth I believe we all at the Conroe Church feel freer to go into the community as Christian soldiers.
- Lecture Committee
Carolyn chair
Many members have said that they shared the testimonies shared in this talk with a number of people who also expressed how wonderful these ideas were that God really was talking to us all! It was such an inclusive idea, no boundaries of religion, age, gender or prisoners. All were included and they seemed to obviously feel it.
Also, it was expressed by most all of our church members that the prep meeting was excellent! We passed out outlines of the things to pray about daily and to handle animal magnetism for church. Also that church relates with the chapter 'Marriage' in Science and Health.
Our church had not had a public lecture for some time and had never had a prison lecture. They felt the public lecture was very well attended. We hd to add chairs and estimate attendance to have been close to 80. The prison lecture too was well attended with several new faces.
Because of how Elise shared this wonderful message of Truth I believe we all at the Conroe Church feel freer to go into the community as Christian soldiers.
- Lecture Committee
Carolyn chair
Wednesday 15 April 2009
Healing from love felt during lecture
During Easter weekend, I have the most remarkable healing when I glance in my mind the wonderful love Christ Jesus had for the woman who came in tears of repentance to wash his feet with perfumed fragrance. I felt that love and knew the wonderful sense of humility both the woman and Jesus express. In Jesus eyes, he only saw God's honoured child, yet she so humbly came for forgiveness and healing. That beautiful feeling truly made me cry and I could after a few days of struggle with my emotions I prayed for God to help me honestly and truthfully forgive my ex-husband and all the past events that constantly made me feel so "poor and lonely". I truly understood what a great gift of forgiveness and our ability to forgive no matter how challenging human emotions played on my mind comes from God and God's Love for me. While I was relishing on this Easter gift of really good feeling, I heard God's voice in my mind "I AM Prosperity" and I knew I include prosperity not poverty.
Going to work this morning, I behold gratitude for this quality of Prosperity that God unfold and I opened(envelopes) more than $18,000 worth of donations for the foundation I work for. God's Love flows with happiness to my collegues at work making every moment fruitful and satisfying. My ex-husband came to give my children money for their leisure. Wow! I am floating with joy and I know whatever God unfold to me is eternal and permanent. I am so blessed.
Thank you for beholding so much Love for all of us.
So much Love to you too.
Pauline
Going to work this morning, I behold gratitude for this quality of Prosperity that God unfold and I opened(envelopes) more than $18,000 worth of donations for the foundation I work for. God's Love flows with happiness to my collegues at work making every moment fruitful and satisfying. My ex-husband came to give my children money for their leisure. Wow! I am floating with joy and I know whatever God unfold to me is eternal and permanent. I am so blessed.
Thank you for beholding so much Love for all of us.
So much Love to you too.
Pauline
Facebook advertising in Perth
Perth advertised on Radio Fremantle and Facebook. With over 1.2 million exposures and the following hits
Number of web hits 13/03/09 to 07/04/09 is 185+138+166+391 = 880
Number of web hits 13/03/09 to 07/04/09 is 185+138+166+391 = 880
Visitors' feedback from Gold Coast
Many thanks for your delightfully inspiring Lecture given to us on Easter eve.
I stayed with every word… It was truly a feast of Love.
My two lovely friends – my husband gave them the names of Chi Chi and Ting-a-ling when they were very little ones, also were most inspired… and my little grand-daughter Bridgette talked it over with me the next morning – early in bed.. I was so happy with her acceptance and love of your stories. She recalled all the names you mentioned too – Jo and Allen stories impressed her a lot.
We know that the most precious gift we can share with our loved ones is God’s gift of Mrs Eddy’s discovery of Christian Science, and I rejoice that all those who attended have received the greatest gift of all in the Christ message you shared.
I pray that it remains and unfolds wonderfully in all those present.
One gentleman came because of his daughter. He accepted what he heard for the first time of Christian Science, and I have given his daughter a copy of the textbook and also the wonderful hymnal.
I’ve visited twice –
Much love to you Elise
Helen
I stayed with every word… It was truly a feast of Love.
My two lovely friends – my husband gave them the names of Chi Chi and Ting-a-ling when they were very little ones, also were most inspired… and my little grand-daughter Bridgette talked it over with me the next morning – early in bed.. I was so happy with her acceptance and love of your stories. She recalled all the names you mentioned too – Jo and Allen stories impressed her a lot.
We know that the most precious gift we can share with our loved ones is God’s gift of Mrs Eddy’s discovery of Christian Science, and I rejoice that all those who attended have received the greatest gift of all in the Christ message you shared.
I pray that it remains and unfolds wonderfully in all those present.
One gentleman came because of his daughter. He accepted what he heard for the first time of Christian Science, and I have given his daughter a copy of the textbook and also the wonderful hymnal.
I’ve visited twice –
Much love to you Elise
Helen
Visitor to Gold Coast church
We had a lady visiting church on Sunday who came to your lecture. We have not met her before. The comments from visitors to members was all positive - all enjoyed and learnt from it. Thank you so very much for the workshop as well as the lecture.
I felt we had all had a treatment at the end of the lecture.
Love and gratitude to you
June
I felt we had all had a treatment at the end of the lecture.
Love and gratitude to you
June
Hearing good reports in Australia
Although I was not able to attend your lectures people have called from Melbourne, Sydney, Newcastle, Canberra to tell me how much they LOVED them!!! These as well as friends visiting over Easter shared ideas which inspired them (in particular the machete and heliocopter prayer model).
Thank you, dear Elise, for all that you do and are doing. We are blessed, so blessed!
I still think of the "gathering" of practitioner and would-be practitioners in Tucson when I was there a few years ago. I so appreciated your drawing upon the fruits and strengths of our practice to share with each other. You are a star!!!
Thank you!
love
Sancy
Tathra NSW
Australia
Thank you, dear Elise, for all that you do and are doing. We are blessed, so blessed!
I still think of the "gathering" of practitioner and would-be practitioners in Tucson when I was there a few years ago. I so appreciated your drawing upon the fruits and strengths of our practice to share with each other. You are a star!!!
Thank you!
love
Sancy
Tathra NSW
Australia
Tuesday 14 April 2009
Hamilton gratitude
Your whole visit was a wonderful time for us all. We have discussed how just having the advertisement with "God is Speaking to You" and "The possibilities of Prayer" A spiritual approach to healing", in the paper, has been read by thousands of people and maybe it is the first time spiritually minded people of Hamilton have been presented with these two ideas. The radio talk would have been heard by many also, a lot of people listen to it daily.
We are expectant of progress.
Loving regards,
Diane
We are expectant of progress.
Loving regards,
Diane
Lecture prompted love
Thank you for your prayer for us at Hornsby Church and affirm God's Love for us. I certainly share your views of Divine Love as I have been so blessed by knowing more about my Maker. Your prayers have delivered inspiration to me with floodtides of love that enable me to genuinely care for others, a healing I needed, On that day, spontaneously I comforted with a big "bear" hug a fellow member in tears and today I called to tell my Mum how much I love her. I overheard my collegues (CEO & Manager) defended me when they were challenged by others speaking negatively about me and got a raise in wages for work well done! My thoughts went back to the days when I was a young child cherishing my innocence then, and I received a clear understanding, I Am Ageless, I only grow wiser and remaining innocent yet not naive. I then realise it is the state of consciousness of purity ( with child like trust) I had then, I still have it now as long as I cherish this beautiful state of mind knowing I am truly loved by God, always His beloved child in His eyes. What a beautiful daily supply of Grace to feed my famished affections. I am so blessed.
Thank You
Pauline
Thank You
Pauline
Healing from lecture prep
This is an email from an individual who prefers to remain anonymous for obvious reasons....
"Your lecture was more wonderful than you know. I had a healing on Friday and had that not happened I might have been seriously distracted and may have missed the lecture.
My eldest daughter was drugged, abducted and raped on Friday evening and we had a few frantic hours of not knowing where she was. A quick call to a Christian Science practitioner settled me down and while the practitioner worked in the background we got on to the job of finding our daughter. Clarity of thought led to some very fortuitous events leading to a trail of contacts where we actually got the mobile number of the suspected culprit and the police were able to call him and demand her return which happened very quickly.
I am the only one practicing Christian Science in my family but I was able to keep everyone calmer than otherwise would be and rapidly recover our daughter. There is very little anguish, my wife's anger has quickly subsided, no one feels a victim. Our daughter has no recollection of the event which is a blessing.
So you will understand when I say it was a GREAT lecture and lecture prep workshop as far as I am concerned.
Love,
Anonymous
"Your lecture was more wonderful than you know. I had a healing on Friday and had that not happened I might have been seriously distracted and may have missed the lecture.
My eldest daughter was drugged, abducted and raped on Friday evening and we had a few frantic hours of not knowing where she was. A quick call to a Christian Science practitioner settled me down and while the practitioner worked in the background we got on to the job of finding our daughter. Clarity of thought led to some very fortuitous events leading to a trail of contacts where we actually got the mobile number of the suspected culprit and the police were able to call him and demand her return which happened very quickly.
I am the only one practicing Christian Science in my family but I was able to keep everyone calmer than otherwise would be and rapidly recover our daughter. There is very little anguish, my wife's anger has quickly subsided, no one feels a victim. Our daughter has no recollection of the event which is a blessing.
So you will understand when I say it was a GREAT lecture and lecture prep workshop as far as I am concerned.
Love,
Anonymous
Gold Coast lecture
Gold Coast Australia
Curing the Incurable
Sofitel Hotel
Thursday April 9, 2009
Total: 50
Newcomers: 12
The introducer had a beautiful healing the night before the lecture prep. She awoke in pain and worked through the night with inspiration from the metaphysical letters as well as other angel messages. She had her healing and was able to attend the lecture prep and do a lovely job introducing me.
Another healing was the weather. This is best described in the words of Debby, my admin assistant, who has been in touch with the lecture chair and is also First Reader of her branch church in Pennsylvania.
“Did June tell you about the challenging weather before you arrived?
I guess it was some time on Monday that I finally decided to listen to Mind’s prodding that I should change my readings for Wednesday. I had already announced the topic at our Sunday service, but in light of world and local events (earthquake, Obama’s trip and all the politics involved, N Korea testing bombs, Iraq and Afghanistan being heavily discussed and more) I felt impelled to change the topic to better address the climate of thought. The word “forces” kept coming to me as the underlying focus (ie forces of nature, of government, etc.), as if there are some kind of forces that are greater than omnipotence. Anyway, I finally decided to be obedient and started to write down or followed every idea that came. It took all of my spare time through Tuesday and right up to leaving for the Wednesday meeting. But, of course, it was done in time. Most of the citations were given to me in the exact order they needed to be delivered.
However, the part I wanted to share was that on Wednesday morning I received an email from June in which she mentioned that the “gale force winds and sleeting rain” had stopped. Needless to say, the word “force” instantly caught my attention and I realized that I had actually been praying right along with the Gold Coast group in support of your arrival and the success of the lecture. It is even at this moment a challenge to hold back the tears of joy I fell at seeing God’s hand in all we do.”
I want to add that when I arrived there was blue sky. On the day of the lecture there was no wind and no rain either before the lecture, during or after the lecture when people would be walking to their cars. The rain started after we had arrived at our hotel, a good hour or more after the end of the lecture.
Several visitors talked with me saying they belonged to a different church but found the ways to pray described in the lecture very helpful and they planned on utilizing them. Other visitors talked about specific problems and how the lecture answered their questions. A member mentioned that the visitor sitting next to him seemed perplexed by the lecture. However the person bought Science and Health, took literature, and said they would read it on their flight back to the US where they were from. I always find it interesting when people from the US find Christian Science in other countries.
There was a very special Wednesday evening testimony meeting directly after the lecture prep. Numerous testimonies of healing, how people came into Christian Science, and gratitude for the church. One man became quite emotional expressing gratitude for the love and friendship shown to him from church members. Instantly, members began encouraging him aloud, supporting him verbally, and another man moved to sit beside him. It was so touching it brought tears to my eyes. Although several of us were visitors, some coming for the lecture the next day, it was like a family gathering each sharing their inspiration and healings. Isn’t this what Mrs. Eddy might have had in mind for Wednesday evenings?
Four Science and Healths were sold and a fifth was given.
Another healing was of the thought of the lecture chair. She was so worried that no one would come to the lecture. Apparently they had had a lecture before with no visitors and few attendees. From the moment I landed and every time I was in the car with her, she voiced fear, gave excuses why no one would come, time of year, location, parking, etc etc. At each moment, I corrected this malpractice with the truth of being. Everyone was spiritually minded. Every day was a perfect day for a lecture. Every location was the perfect location. God was in charge, leading, guiding, and fulfilling, etc. After the lecture when the room was full of people, they had sold/given 5 Science and Healths, and had realized they had at least 12 visitors with several people who lived in the area but hadn’t attended church for a long time also in attendance, the lecture chair realized that her fears were ungrounded and that she should take the firm metaphysical foundation of truth. It was helpful I’m sure to others for this change of thought, as well as to herself.
Curing the Incurable
Sofitel Hotel
Thursday April 9, 2009
Total: 50
Newcomers: 12
The introducer had a beautiful healing the night before the lecture prep. She awoke in pain and worked through the night with inspiration from the metaphysical letters as well as other angel messages. She had her healing and was able to attend the lecture prep and do a lovely job introducing me.
Another healing was the weather. This is best described in the words of Debby, my admin assistant, who has been in touch with the lecture chair and is also First Reader of her branch church in Pennsylvania.
“Did June tell you about the challenging weather before you arrived?
I guess it was some time on Monday that I finally decided to listen to Mind’s prodding that I should change my readings for Wednesday. I had already announced the topic at our Sunday service, but in light of world and local events (earthquake, Obama’s trip and all the politics involved, N Korea testing bombs, Iraq and Afghanistan being heavily discussed and more) I felt impelled to change the topic to better address the climate of thought. The word “forces” kept coming to me as the underlying focus (ie forces of nature, of government, etc.), as if there are some kind of forces that are greater than omnipotence. Anyway, I finally decided to be obedient and started to write down or followed every idea that came. It took all of my spare time through Tuesday and right up to leaving for the Wednesday meeting. But, of course, it was done in time. Most of the citations were given to me in the exact order they needed to be delivered.
However, the part I wanted to share was that on Wednesday morning I received an email from June in which she mentioned that the “gale force winds and sleeting rain” had stopped. Needless to say, the word “force” instantly caught my attention and I realized that I had actually been praying right along with the Gold Coast group in support of your arrival and the success of the lecture. It is even at this moment a challenge to hold back the tears of joy I fell at seeing God’s hand in all we do.”
I want to add that when I arrived there was blue sky. On the day of the lecture there was no wind and no rain either before the lecture, during or after the lecture when people would be walking to their cars. The rain started after we had arrived at our hotel, a good hour or more after the end of the lecture.
Several visitors talked with me saying they belonged to a different church but found the ways to pray described in the lecture very helpful and they planned on utilizing them. Other visitors talked about specific problems and how the lecture answered their questions. A member mentioned that the visitor sitting next to him seemed perplexed by the lecture. However the person bought Science and Health, took literature, and said they would read it on their flight back to the US where they were from. I always find it interesting when people from the US find Christian Science in other countries.
There was a very special Wednesday evening testimony meeting directly after the lecture prep. Numerous testimonies of healing, how people came into Christian Science, and gratitude for the church. One man became quite emotional expressing gratitude for the love and friendship shown to him from church members. Instantly, members began encouraging him aloud, supporting him verbally, and another man moved to sit beside him. It was so touching it brought tears to my eyes. Although several of us were visitors, some coming for the lecture the next day, it was like a family gathering each sharing their inspiration and healings. Isn’t this what Mrs. Eddy might have had in mind for Wednesday evenings?
Four Science and Healths were sold and a fifth was given.
Another healing was of the thought of the lecture chair. She was so worried that no one would come to the lecture. Apparently they had had a lecture before with no visitors and few attendees. From the moment I landed and every time I was in the car with her, she voiced fear, gave excuses why no one would come, time of year, location, parking, etc etc. At each moment, I corrected this malpractice with the truth of being. Everyone was spiritually minded. Every day was a perfect day for a lecture. Every location was the perfect location. God was in charge, leading, guiding, and fulfilling, etc. After the lecture when the room was full of people, they had sold/given 5 Science and Healths, and had realized they had at least 12 visitors with several people who lived in the area but hadn’t attended church for a long time also in attendance, the lecture chair realized that her fears were ungrounded and that she should take the firm metaphysical foundation of truth. It was helpful I’m sure to others for this change of thought, as well as to herself.
Interaction between Melbourne Perth and New Plymouth
I’m just forwarding you some of the feedback that’s bouncing around between the various Australian churches here.
Sounds like the cross promotion between the different churches idea has really caught on. It’s such an obvious idea really isn’t it?
I remember ringing a woman from a church to suggest we actually promote each others’ lectures and I could really feel a holding back from her. Almost as if she was thinking…”why should I help you? You might take some of our potential visitors…”
When I suggested she email me PDF’s of her posters and invites and that I would organize our members to email them out to their own personal email lists she was taken aback.
I then had to remind her that we weren’t in competition with each other…and that is why this was a great idea. We’re actually all on the same team…just operating from different localities. It was hilarious - probably the wrong word but it was great to hear her thought change base in the moment….; I could tangibly feel her whole demeanour change as she realized I had rung to help her. She went from being possessive of her lecture to incredulous that another church would ring to give a hand.
Elise, your visit is still having an effect and people are still talking with each other. As is evidenced by the emails below.
Even at Ringwood Church I have seen and sensed a definite lightening of attitude from those members who were becoming very self opinionated and wilful. I guess you’d say the Christ thought is knocking at their consciousness and they’re answering the door! J
To say Team Moore kicked a goal is an understatement, rather the other team (error) didn’t even make it onto the field !!!
All the best…
Simon
Hi Sally,
Pleased the lecture went well. That was a great turnout. Sounds like the boards did the trick. Good to have the bigger ones if you had 90.
Our little church of about six or so members, managed about 40 at ours. We had the workshop in our home.
If you are on Twitter, you can type in elisemoore without a space and read about some of her experiences in the mexican prisons.
Have you seen Elise's pod casts
http://www.podcastdirectory.com/podcasts/7501
Thanks again Sally for the contact on Phil Arnold, Pam was very pleased with the instant result.
All the best with the ongoing buzzing from the lecture
Warmest wishes
Scott
(New Plymouth)
Hello Simon and Scott,
Elise’s lecture has been with a very good attendance between 89 & 95, an estimate of 20 visitors, and several adherents who only come spasmodically. The Lecture Prep with theme ‘Youth and Youthful Thinkers’ was also well attended. We chose ‘God is speaking to You’
Two white boards, which answered the need perfectly, were hired. Thank you for your help in this regard. I am finding the relative articles are a great refresher.
It was great to make email contact with both of you. Next time, Simon, we’ll look at the cross promotion. There will possibly be a need to have the state included on the flyers.
With many thanks for your help and support,
With love,
Sally.
Sounds like the cross promotion between the different churches idea has really caught on. It’s such an obvious idea really isn’t it?
I remember ringing a woman from a church to suggest we actually promote each others’ lectures and I could really feel a holding back from her. Almost as if she was thinking…”why should I help you? You might take some of our potential visitors…”
When I suggested she email me PDF’s of her posters and invites and that I would organize our members to email them out to their own personal email lists she was taken aback.
I then had to remind her that we weren’t in competition with each other…and that is why this was a great idea. We’re actually all on the same team…just operating from different localities. It was hilarious - probably the wrong word but it was great to hear her thought change base in the moment….; I could tangibly feel her whole demeanour change as she realized I had rung to help her. She went from being possessive of her lecture to incredulous that another church would ring to give a hand.
Elise, your visit is still having an effect and people are still talking with each other. As is evidenced by the emails below.
Even at Ringwood Church I have seen and sensed a definite lightening of attitude from those members who were becoming very self opinionated and wilful. I guess you’d say the Christ thought is knocking at their consciousness and they’re answering the door! J
To say Team Moore kicked a goal is an understatement, rather the other team (error) didn’t even make it onto the field !!!
All the best…
Simon
Hi Sally,
Pleased the lecture went well. That was a great turnout. Sounds like the boards did the trick. Good to have the bigger ones if you had 90.
Our little church of about six or so members, managed about 40 at ours. We had the workshop in our home.
If you are on Twitter, you can type in elisemoore without a space and read about some of her experiences in the mexican prisons.
Have you seen Elise's pod casts
http://www.podcastdirectory.com/podcasts/7501
Thanks again Sally for the contact on Phil Arnold, Pam was very pleased with the instant result.
All the best with the ongoing buzzing from the lecture
Warmest wishes
Scott
(New Plymouth)
Hello Simon and Scott,
Elise’s lecture has been with a very good attendance between 89 & 95, an estimate of 20 visitors, and several adherents who only come spasmodically. The Lecture Prep with theme ‘Youth and Youthful Thinkers’ was also well attended. We chose ‘God is speaking to You’
Two white boards, which answered the need perfectly, were hired. Thank you for your help in this regard. I am finding the relative articles are a great refresher.
It was great to make email contact with both of you. Next time, Simon, we’ll look at the cross promotion. There will possibly be a need to have the state included on the flyers.
With many thanks for your help and support,
With love,
Sally.
More from Perth
It was our pleasure working with you in presenting the lecture to our community. New ideas have been tried and found successful and can be refined for future use. You have pointed out a way to stay connected with the clickers. Thanks for that.
[This church advertised on Facebook and received 1.2 million exposures with the following hits
web hits 13/03/09 to 07/04/09 is 185+138+166+391 = 880]
It was also lovely to have Stefanie and Josh on board with their ideas and skills.
Your sound advice will stand us in good stead for future lectures as well. I always appreciated the metaphysical message included in your emails.
I see Sam has forwarded some lovely feed back already.
More than 50 sets of the articles were taken and Sam is now able to send them as attachments to anyone who would like them, stream ling the process.
Perhaps you and Dave will return to Australia sometime to see more of it.
Many thanks for all you did for us,
With love,
Sally.
[This church advertised on Facebook and received 1.2 million exposures with the following hits
web hits 13/03/09 to 07/04/09 is 185+138+166+391 = 880]
It was also lovely to have Stefanie and Josh on board with their ideas and skills.
Your sound advice will stand us in good stead for future lectures as well. I always appreciated the metaphysical message included in your emails.
I see Sam has forwarded some lovely feed back already.
More than 50 sets of the articles were taken and Sam is now able to send them as attachments to anyone who would like them, stream ling the process.
Perhaps you and Dave will return to Australia sometime to see more of it.
Many thanks for all you did for us,
With love,
Sally.
Wednesday 8 April 2009
Feedback from Hamilton NZ
Dear Elise,
What a wonderful two days it was for us all when you were with us.
We would like to thank you for so generously giving three talks in two days. We appreciated each one. They were filled with new ideas, strengthening thoughts, and wider insights, with interesting demonstrations recounted to prove the effectiveness of what you were saying.
We are looking forward to putting into practice the ideas for growing our church and have been very pleased with the feedback and contact we have had.
With loving regards,
D Ford
Secretary
What a wonderful two days it was for us all when you were with us.
We would like to thank you for so generously giving three talks in two days. We appreciated each one. They were filled with new ideas, strengthening thoughts, and wider insights, with interesting demonstrations recounted to prove the effectiveness of what you were saying.
We are looking forward to putting into practice the ideas for growing our church and have been very pleased with the feedback and contact we have had.
With loving regards,
D Ford
Secretary
Gold Coast
We’re staying in a high rise Marriott with ocean view (a block away) but from our balcony it’s across a lovely park space. We’re facing the Nerang River which parallels the ocean, unusual I know. There are boats moored along the river and birds flying to and fro. The Marriott is a resort with its own “beach” area, waterfall, and tropical fish swimming around a salt water pool.
We had a lovely morning. After working, we left for breakfast around lunch time. It was misting rain, but we took an umbrella and walked for a mile along this wide, wild beach watching the surf and the expanse of beach and ocean. There were people in back of us but no one else on the beach as we walked. The area is full of high rises, not the usual type of place we frequent. But our end seemed to be more parklike and rather deserted. We emerged back up the road after awhile to cross the busy street and disappear down a path along the river. Saw ibis, Australian crows and dusky moorhens at our feet. We walked along the river until the path took us up to street level again, crossed over to the sidewalk running through the park along the road. Saw rainbow lorikeets and some stunning yellow-green birds with an iridescent blue eye patch. Really striking. We walked for a couple miles down the park to the populated area following the birds. The weather cleared and we enjoyed the beach and birds walking back.
Then we hung out by our salt water pool, taking in the sun, watching the birds and tropical fish. Just lovely. After thoroughly relaxing we had high tea inside with air conditioning, we were ready for that. Delicious finger sandwiches including cucumber of course, salmon, and egg. Lovely scones with strawberry jam and cream, and bits of cake for dessert. Ahhhhhhh. We sat and enjoyed the views, talked and took in the moment. Getting ready for the lecture tonight, writing this while looking out from our balcony across the river, park and ocean. Lovely last days in Australia.
We had a lovely morning. After working, we left for breakfast around lunch time. It was misting rain, but we took an umbrella and walked for a mile along this wide, wild beach watching the surf and the expanse of beach and ocean. There were people in back of us but no one else on the beach as we walked. The area is full of high rises, not the usual type of place we frequent. But our end seemed to be more parklike and rather deserted. We emerged back up the road after awhile to cross the busy street and disappear down a path along the river. Saw ibis, Australian crows and dusky moorhens at our feet. We walked along the river until the path took us up to street level again, crossed over to the sidewalk running through the park along the road. Saw rainbow lorikeets and some stunning yellow-green birds with an iridescent blue eye patch. Really striking. We walked for a couple miles down the park to the populated area following the birds. The weather cleared and we enjoyed the beach and birds walking back.
Then we hung out by our salt water pool, taking in the sun, watching the birds and tropical fish. Just lovely. After thoroughly relaxing we had high tea inside with air conditioning, we were ready for that. Delicious finger sandwiches including cucumber of course, salmon, and egg. Lovely scones with strawberry jam and cream, and bits of cake for dessert. Ahhhhhhh. We sat and enjoyed the views, talked and took in the moment. Getting ready for the lecture tonight, writing this while looking out from our balcony across the river, park and ocean. Lovely last days in Australia.
Perth
We had the best time in Perth! If I had to plan the trip over, I’d spend our two free days here instead of at the beach. But who knew and it might not have worked with the days the churches wanted for their talks.
We flew into Perth from Sydney arriving at almost 2pm local time. It was cloudy most of the way but we managed to see that the area approaching Perth is arid, perhaps sheep farming with forests along an escarpment. We learned that Australia used to end at that escarpment. Perth and the environs leading to the ridge were all underwater. As Australia moved, the sandy area rose above the water. So the ground is all pure sand. The Swan River forms a bay around which Perth is built. After landing we drove directly to King’s Park (named for Edward VII who visited at the turn of the century). It is over 1000 acres of forest and parkland overlooking the bay and city. Gorgeous views. Perth has an number of parks and generous green space along the water front and dotted about the city.
We had lunch at a lovely tearoom in King’s Park. I highly recommend it. Dave had bratwurst. I had a roast pumpkin salad with feta cheese and rocket. It’s not as strange as it sounds. Then walked about looking at the Anzac Memorial. We had just read about the Herculean effort of what amounted to the Australian Natl Guard Reserves fending off the Japanese in Papau New Guinea by walking across the Kokoda trail, a tortuous 8 day trail even today. Numerically overwhelmed, they managed to engage the Japanese and then finally hold them off until reenforcements could arrive. Stories of incredible sacrifice, bravery and hardship are told. There is a relief map in the park with lots of history written on it, showing the trail and areas of importance. It’s very moving and part of WWII history that we don’t know. Several thousand diggers, Aussie soldiers, died in this encounter which must have been a staggering percentage of the Aussies involved. They have trees planted along the road of the park with plaques, each tree dedicated to a different soldier.
Then we walked to this incredible glass and metal bridge soaring over a dip in the forest. This is not to be missed. We saw Black cockatoos, ringed parrots called 28s (don’t ask me why, no one seems to know), and several Laughing Kookaburras. We walked through gardens to a lovely pond and water feature dedicated to women. The bushes and trees were teeming with birds. We identified as many as we could and wrote detailed descriptions for when we return and have the bird book in front of us. Why did I leave it at home again? I didn’t want to leave. I could easily have stayed there another hour or two. Birds of every description were snacking on the grass, dipping into the water, flying through the trees. Birding heaven right in the city.
Our guide in this glorious afternoon was Ariane who we’re hoping comes to visit us in Tucson. She has a fledgling jewelry company. They went to Thailand this year for stones and to make contacts. They are hoping to come to Tucson for the world famous gem and mineral show, one of these years. She was a delight and we really enjoyed her company.
We were back at the hotel and cleaned up in time for a 7pm workshop. The church is in an historic location across from their Parliament building. This was the largest number present at a prep workshop so far. Lovely group and the meeting was delightful. They asked lots of questions and were quite engaged.
Next morning a charming couple, Sam and Elizabeth generously offered to take us to Yanchep National Park. I’d mentioned to Ariane that we’d like to see kangaroos. Apparently they are easy to see in certain areas in the early morning and early evening. However, neither of those times were available to us given the schedule. I checked on the internet and came up with Yanchep Park and Sam agreed this was a good place, only 45 minutes from Perth. Off we went arriving around 10am. Instantly saw flocks of black cockatoos which apparently are becoming quite rare. Saw lots of water birds up close and personal, notably the Australian Shelduck a handsome large duck with black head, stunning white ring around the eye, rich chestnut chest and a white ring around the neck. Green and lovely brown coloring on the back make this duck a stunner to watch on shore and in flight. We got within feet and were able to quietly take in every detail of this gorgeous duck. Also saw Australian Spoonbill in a tree and then only a few feet from us putting its unusually shaped bill to work scooping up tidbits from the shallows. So many highlights among the birds it’s difficult to describe, only that Dave and I were in heaven. No people, beautiful park, easy walking. It was sort of point your binoculars in a direction and see what wonder appeared.
As we worked our way along the lake front Dave sat at a picnic table and what did he espy? A roo!!! There in the shade by the edge of the forest was a mamma roo with her “joey” (they all call them that) and daddy roo quietly watching while laying down in the forest. We watched for quite some while. The joey stood up and stretched a bit, so cute. Mom licked her tiny front paws. We quietly made our way down the path. She watched us but then ignored us. We got a super look at the powerful back end and back paws. Those feet are huge! Think size 40! It was a super satisfying experience. Interestingly there were lots of other people wandering around the park and not one person came this direction toward the roo family. We were the only ones to see them.
Then we returned to the Koala enclosure. This is a breeding park for koala. There are 3 distinct species in Australia, which can’t successfully interbreed. The species in Perth is from Melbourne area. We saw almost 10 different koala, males and females. And great views. Dave and I hung around quietly (bird watching really does help) and saw koalas wake up, look around, climb up and around a tree, readjust, etc. We got great looks at their faces, chests, paws and claws. It was fantastic considering it was noon, beastly hot, and these guys were in full snooze.
Had a lovely lunch at the restaurant there. Btw, they have a Comfort Inn on the premises! Don’t think it’s more than a 2 star, but if we’d had a car and no talks I’d have stayed there in a heartbeat to wake up early and catch the wildlife at its best early in the morning and then again in the late afternoon. As it was we left around 2pm and a Grey Butcherbird was silently working out of a hiding place trying to snag a meal. I just pointed my bins in a direction and viola there he was. Fabulous place to bird. We got back at the hotel by 3, time for a quick coffee and desert (because there was no time for dinner), a quick nap as Dave and I were dead on our feet, and off in time for a lovely lecture at 7pm. This was a great group, people talking to me afterward like I have in Latin America which means asking for prayer, and very personal conversations. I’ve missed that in Australia, which seems to have kept me at arms length. Friendly and polite but not allowing me into their personal prayerlife so to speak. So this was meaningful and I was grateful.
We got up at 4am to make our 6am flight, where I’m writing this note flying over the farming areas of Victoria after crossing the Great Australian Bight (why is it called that?)
We picked up a brochure at the hotel for Greyline bus tours and instantly saw a tour that I would love to take. It goes to an area called the Pinnacles with weird rock obelisks jutting out of the golden sand. Looks fantastic and otherworldly. The same tour took in a couple other parks, wildlife sighting etc. Then they talked about parks for birds further south and a tempting island called Penguin, which sounds like a nifty birding destination. We literally had 36 hours in Perth but fell in love with it and saw an enormous amount considering.
If you plan on visiting, this is one place I’d allow 3-4 days to drive up and down the coast, visit the numerous national parks and drink in the glorious sunshine and atmosphere.
I’m grateful to God for letting us come here.
We flew into Perth from Sydney arriving at almost 2pm local time. It was cloudy most of the way but we managed to see that the area approaching Perth is arid, perhaps sheep farming with forests along an escarpment. We learned that Australia used to end at that escarpment. Perth and the environs leading to the ridge were all underwater. As Australia moved, the sandy area rose above the water. So the ground is all pure sand. The Swan River forms a bay around which Perth is built. After landing we drove directly to King’s Park (named for Edward VII who visited at the turn of the century). It is over 1000 acres of forest and parkland overlooking the bay and city. Gorgeous views. Perth has an number of parks and generous green space along the water front and dotted about the city.
We had lunch at a lovely tearoom in King’s Park. I highly recommend it. Dave had bratwurst. I had a roast pumpkin salad with feta cheese and rocket. It’s not as strange as it sounds. Then walked about looking at the Anzac Memorial. We had just read about the Herculean effort of what amounted to the Australian Natl Guard Reserves fending off the Japanese in Papau New Guinea by walking across the Kokoda trail, a tortuous 8 day trail even today. Numerically overwhelmed, they managed to engage the Japanese and then finally hold them off until reenforcements could arrive. Stories of incredible sacrifice, bravery and hardship are told. There is a relief map in the park with lots of history written on it, showing the trail and areas of importance. It’s very moving and part of WWII history that we don’t know. Several thousand diggers, Aussie soldiers, died in this encounter which must have been a staggering percentage of the Aussies involved. They have trees planted along the road of the park with plaques, each tree dedicated to a different soldier.
Then we walked to this incredible glass and metal bridge soaring over a dip in the forest. This is not to be missed. We saw Black cockatoos, ringed parrots called 28s (don’t ask me why, no one seems to know), and several Laughing Kookaburras. We walked through gardens to a lovely pond and water feature dedicated to women. The bushes and trees were teeming with birds. We identified as many as we could and wrote detailed descriptions for when we return and have the bird book in front of us. Why did I leave it at home again? I didn’t want to leave. I could easily have stayed there another hour or two. Birds of every description were snacking on the grass, dipping into the water, flying through the trees. Birding heaven right in the city.
Our guide in this glorious afternoon was Ariane who we’re hoping comes to visit us in Tucson. She has a fledgling jewelry company. They went to Thailand this year for stones and to make contacts. They are hoping to come to Tucson for the world famous gem and mineral show, one of these years. She was a delight and we really enjoyed her company.
We were back at the hotel and cleaned up in time for a 7pm workshop. The church is in an historic location across from their Parliament building. This was the largest number present at a prep workshop so far. Lovely group and the meeting was delightful. They asked lots of questions and were quite engaged.
Next morning a charming couple, Sam and Elizabeth generously offered to take us to Yanchep National Park. I’d mentioned to Ariane that we’d like to see kangaroos. Apparently they are easy to see in certain areas in the early morning and early evening. However, neither of those times were available to us given the schedule. I checked on the internet and came up with Yanchep Park and Sam agreed this was a good place, only 45 minutes from Perth. Off we went arriving around 10am. Instantly saw flocks of black cockatoos which apparently are becoming quite rare. Saw lots of water birds up close and personal, notably the Australian Shelduck a handsome large duck with black head, stunning white ring around the eye, rich chestnut chest and a white ring around the neck. Green and lovely brown coloring on the back make this duck a stunner to watch on shore and in flight. We got within feet and were able to quietly take in every detail of this gorgeous duck. Also saw Australian Spoonbill in a tree and then only a few feet from us putting its unusually shaped bill to work scooping up tidbits from the shallows. So many highlights among the birds it’s difficult to describe, only that Dave and I were in heaven. No people, beautiful park, easy walking. It was sort of point your binoculars in a direction and see what wonder appeared.
As we worked our way along the lake front Dave sat at a picnic table and what did he espy? A roo!!! There in the shade by the edge of the forest was a mamma roo with her “joey” (they all call them that) and daddy roo quietly watching while laying down in the forest. We watched for quite some while. The joey stood up and stretched a bit, so cute. Mom licked her tiny front paws. We quietly made our way down the path. She watched us but then ignored us. We got a super look at the powerful back end and back paws. Those feet are huge! Think size 40! It was a super satisfying experience. Interestingly there were lots of other people wandering around the park and not one person came this direction toward the roo family. We were the only ones to see them.
Then we returned to the Koala enclosure. This is a breeding park for koala. There are 3 distinct species in Australia, which can’t successfully interbreed. The species in Perth is from Melbourne area. We saw almost 10 different koala, males and females. And great views. Dave and I hung around quietly (bird watching really does help) and saw koalas wake up, look around, climb up and around a tree, readjust, etc. We got great looks at their faces, chests, paws and claws. It was fantastic considering it was noon, beastly hot, and these guys were in full snooze.
Had a lovely lunch at the restaurant there. Btw, they have a Comfort Inn on the premises! Don’t think it’s more than a 2 star, but if we’d had a car and no talks I’d have stayed there in a heartbeat to wake up early and catch the wildlife at its best early in the morning and then again in the late afternoon. As it was we left around 2pm and a Grey Butcherbird was silently working out of a hiding place trying to snag a meal. I just pointed my bins in a direction and viola there he was. Fabulous place to bird. We got back at the hotel by 3, time for a quick coffee and desert (because there was no time for dinner), a quick nap as Dave and I were dead on our feet, and off in time for a lovely lecture at 7pm. This was a great group, people talking to me afterward like I have in Latin America which means asking for prayer, and very personal conversations. I’ve missed that in Australia, which seems to have kept me at arms length. Friendly and polite but not allowing me into their personal prayerlife so to speak. So this was meaningful and I was grateful.
We got up at 4am to make our 6am flight, where I’m writing this note flying over the farming areas of Victoria after crossing the Great Australian Bight (why is it called that?)
We picked up a brochure at the hotel for Greyline bus tours and instantly saw a tour that I would love to take. It goes to an area called the Pinnacles with weird rock obelisks jutting out of the golden sand. Looks fantastic and otherworldly. The same tour took in a couple other parks, wildlife sighting etc. Then they talked about parks for birds further south and a tempting island called Penguin, which sounds like a nifty birding destination. We literally had 36 hours in Perth but fell in love with it and saw an enormous amount considering.
If you plan on visiting, this is one place I’d allow 3-4 days to drive up and down the coast, visit the numerous national parks and drink in the glorious sunshine and atmosphere.
I’m grateful to God for letting us come here.
Feedback from Perth
I'm not sure if a call I had last night around 9.30 was from someone who had attended the lecture or was as a result of the metaphysical work done in preparation. The caller obviously had some exposure to Christian Science and had many many questions. During the approx. one hour conversation we covered a lot of ground. Someone had given the caller Anne's and my name should she have any questions.
An update --- I have just had another session with my mystery caller. I still don't know if she attended the Lecture but she told me that she is a regular listener to Sentinel Radio and finds it most interesting.
- Rob via Sam
What a wonderful uplift you have given to us and to our church. The Lecture Committee are meeting next Thursday to gather together all the fruitage we have heard from the Lecture, and we’ll email you with the news, but in the meanwhile we just want you to know that everyone is overflowing with gratitude for all you have shared with us.
- Sam
An update --- I have just had another session with my mystery caller. I still don't know if she attended the Lecture but she told me that she is a regular listener to Sentinel Radio and finds it most interesting.
- Rob via Sam
What a wonderful uplift you have given to us and to our church. The Lecture Committee are meeting next Thursday to gather together all the fruitage we have heard from the Lecture, and we’ll email you with the news, but in the meanwhile we just want you to know that everyone is overflowing with gratitude for all you have shared with us.
- Sam
Feedback from Perth
Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the lecture last Tue evening at Perth church.
I particularly didn't want to miss it as I had already been impressed with and thoroughly enjoyed your previous three interviews on Spirituality.com.
I appreciate your concise and easy-to-follow explanations and also on the night, absence of any CS jargon which I feel is so important when talking to non CS students; just the Science of being in every day language.
I stayed back a while but regret not staying long enough to speak with you.
My brother also attended and came up to me after your talk and told of his fear regarding an operation he was going in for later this week. I believe I was able to allay that somewhat and help instill some peace to him. I think we both felt quite uplifted after your talk and a good topic too.
I so totally respect the life journey you have taken and am working on making my own study count a lot more for the betterment of the world.
Much God’s love
john
I particularly didn't want to miss it as I had already been impressed with and thoroughly enjoyed your previous three interviews on Spirituality.com.
I appreciate your concise and easy-to-follow explanations and also on the night, absence of any CS jargon which I feel is so important when talking to non CS students; just the Science of being in every day language.
I stayed back a while but regret not staying long enough to speak with you.
My brother also attended and came up to me after your talk and told of his fear regarding an operation he was going in for later this week. I believe I was able to allay that somewhat and help instill some peace to him. I think we both felt quite uplifted after your talk and a good topic too.
I so totally respect the life journey you have taken and am working on making my own study count a lot more for the betterment of the world.
Much God’s love
john
Sunday 5 April 2009
Terrigal Australia
The past few days have flown by. We arrived in Sydney after getting up a 3am. Our ride was waiting for us at gates C/D and we had arrived at A/B. After waiting patiently I decided to try calling him. My international mobile needs prayer. Nothing worked. When I get time, I’ll have to figure out what is wrong. But after much ado we obtained coins and used a public phone. First I called his cell phone, no answer. After another half hour, we obtained more coins and I called his home. His wife answered and basically was annoyed because her husband had been waiting for us for an hour and a half. Where were we! You have to smile. I asked her to call him and tell him precisely where we were, by the Krispy Kreme donut booth, ah yes they are all over Australia. Just then I saw a man with a Bible Lesson displayed and so did Dave, who walked up to him. Problem solved! He had finally turned on his phone and gotten my message telling him precisely where we were waiting. After the hour ride to an Indian run motel in Hornsby, need I say more, we went for lunch at one of the biggest nicest malls I’ve seen. Had delicious Mediterranean food. Then John took us back to the hotel and we collapsed into bed for a couple hours before I did the lecture prep.
Next day John took us to Terrigal, which means place of the little birds. What a charming location! It’s on the sea with a beautiful beach full of children surfing. Cute little restaurants are across the narrow road. We lunched on a terrazza overlooking the scene and had a marvelous meal. Blue skies, perfect weather, this was heaven! Then we took a walk up the hill and down again into a peninsula park overlooking the little bay and on the other side the cliffs and the sea. We walked all about, seeing white pelican, fairy wrens, and lots of red-billed gulls. It was quite hot so we stopped at a delightful café in the park for a coke and sat for over an hour watching the scene and drinking in the lovely day. It was so beautiful I didn’t want to go back to the hotel, but duty called. Another lecture prep, re-writing a lecture for a talk the next morning, and off we went for a full day of talks both morning and afternoon.
Yesterday had dinner at Fishbonz and had New Zealand hoki. May I recommend it! Fabulous fish, so tasty, it’s white and must be a deep sea type fish. Really wonderful. Anyway, had a pleasant evening in our marvelous apartment hotel called Sails. One of the best places we’ve stayed actually. We’d go back in a heartbeat. It was very modern, with white tile floors, delightful sofa and tables, balcony. Trees in front were home to rainbow lorikeets and a new type of cockatoo with red around the neck and blue around the eye. They chattered incessantly. Where’s my bird book? This town was charming, quaint, perfect, with great food.
Today I worked the morning and then our ride picked us up to take us to luncheon at Meg’s home in Hornsby. What a delightful yard! We ate outdoors. She cut fresh lemon herb to make tea for me. Wonderful! The tabouli included fresh parsley from her garden. A rainbow lorikeet literally flew through our lunch so close to Dave that it almost clipped his ear. If we come back to Hornsby, we’ll stay with her. She might not have an internet connection but she has a lovely home and birds! The lecture went well. They had refreshments on the lawn afterward. I tried a delicious orange poppyseed cake with orange icing. The minister from the church next door came with several of their parishioners. They had enjoyed the talk and we discussed their congregation which is a dual English/Korean one. Then John brought us back to Sydney. We’re staying in a Holiday Inn king suite, nice upgrade, overlooking the lights of Botany Bay. The room has a 20’ bank of windows. We’ve actually kept the curtains open to enjoy the lights and view tonight. Well onward to Perth early tomorrow. I’m ready to be home.
Next day John took us to Terrigal, which means place of the little birds. What a charming location! It’s on the sea with a beautiful beach full of children surfing. Cute little restaurants are across the narrow road. We lunched on a terrazza overlooking the scene and had a marvelous meal. Blue skies, perfect weather, this was heaven! Then we took a walk up the hill and down again into a peninsula park overlooking the little bay and on the other side the cliffs and the sea. We walked all about, seeing white pelican, fairy wrens, and lots of red-billed gulls. It was quite hot so we stopped at a delightful café in the park for a coke and sat for over an hour watching the scene and drinking in the lovely day. It was so beautiful I didn’t want to go back to the hotel, but duty called. Another lecture prep, re-writing a lecture for a talk the next morning, and off we went for a full day of talks both morning and afternoon.
Yesterday had dinner at Fishbonz and had New Zealand hoki. May I recommend it! Fabulous fish, so tasty, it’s white and must be a deep sea type fish. Really wonderful. Anyway, had a pleasant evening in our marvelous apartment hotel called Sails. One of the best places we’ve stayed actually. We’d go back in a heartbeat. It was very modern, with white tile floors, delightful sofa and tables, balcony. Trees in front were home to rainbow lorikeets and a new type of cockatoo with red around the neck and blue around the eye. They chattered incessantly. Where’s my bird book? This town was charming, quaint, perfect, with great food.
Today I worked the morning and then our ride picked us up to take us to luncheon at Meg’s home in Hornsby. What a delightful yard! We ate outdoors. She cut fresh lemon herb to make tea for me. Wonderful! The tabouli included fresh parsley from her garden. A rainbow lorikeet literally flew through our lunch so close to Dave that it almost clipped his ear. If we come back to Hornsby, we’ll stay with her. She might not have an internet connection but she has a lovely home and birds! The lecture went well. They had refreshments on the lawn afterward. I tried a delicious orange poppyseed cake with orange icing. The minister from the church next door came with several of their parishioners. They had enjoyed the talk and we discussed their congregation which is a dual English/Korean one. Then John brought us back to Sydney. We’re staying in a Holiday Inn king suite, nice upgrade, overlooking the lights of Botany Bay. The room has a 20’ bank of windows. We’ve actually kept the curtains open to enjoy the lights and view tonight. Well onward to Perth early tomorrow. I’m ready to be home.
Gosford Australia
Well gang, TMC is no longer requiring that I do fruitage reports for the lectures. They are going to start a new system where lectures can post comments for the public and for one another, but it isn’t up and running yet. In the meantime, I still want to record my thoughts about the lectures so here you are.
Gosford Youth Lecture
This was an experience. John Strang our ride from Sydney handed me the flyer for the Gosford lectures on Friday as we’re driving from Hornsby to Terrigal, where we were staying for the Gosford lectures on Saturday. Imagine my surprise to discover that I was doing a lecture on Decision-making that I didn’t have with me! I wrote the lecture for the Chicago Youth Summit with a target audience of 15-30 yr olds with the upper end dominating. So when we got to Terrigal I printed out what I had on my computer and did a bit of an edit before the lecture prep.
Imagine my further surprise to discover that they were planning for 10-20 year olds for their lecture. Well, my lecture was nowhere near appropriate for 10 year olds. I worked late that night and the next morning and had it ready by 10am when we were picked up for the 11am lecture.
They didn’t have the appropriate white boards, nor any idea how they were going to set up the Sunday School area. They had this vague notion that everyone was going to sit on the floor. When I said this was a proper lecture, there was a bit of resistance. In fact when I walked into the lecture prep Friday night there was a huge amount of resistance. They heard that I was unaware of the lecture they were doing, then I made a comment that the boards they’d gotten weren’t large enough for the adult lecture, etc etc. I discovered later that this church really wasn’t prepared at all for these lectures. They were completely absorbed in planning for Reading Room meetings that had just taken place and another one going to take place. The invitations hadn’t been printed until 2 weeks or less before the lecture. I hadn’t received a draft copy because I was already lecturing in Australia and enormously busy, thus the title surprise. Then the Sunday School was set up with two rows of chairs facing one another. I ended up sitting at the top of this gauntlet facing a group of dour faces. No one cracked a smile and barely participated in the entire lecture prep. Many members didn’t even bother to come to the lecture prep nor the lecture, I found out later.
So after the prep, they asked how I wanted to set the room up for the youth lecture. I gave them a couple choices. One of which was to suggest that they could do a workshop type lecture with tables and chairs. They didn’t see how that would work, but I illustrated with one of their lovely round tables. Soon a couple of the men were rearranging the room. They had an idea of putting their tiny whiteboards over their bulletin board, which would be ok for a white board on the wall, and we set the room that night before going the half hour back to the hotel. When I got to the hotel, I started working again on the lecture and got up early the next morning to edit again and reprint. While I was doing that I asked Dave to do some specific prayerful work. He did.
The lecture went beautifully. About a dozen kids came and a dozen adults. I had the adults participate as well, which some were loathe to do but they got into it. It was very participatory and everyone really enjoyed it. The discussions started out slowly but soon the kids got into it when I had them doing a project at the tables without any interference from the adults or me. By the end of the lecture everyone was enthusing about what a great lecture it was. The adults were coming up to me big smiles saying this was way better than anything they had ever imagined. The kids talked with me and asked personal questions. A couple of the kids decided to come to the adult lecture that afternoon. I understand they had all the kids in their Sunday School come to Sunday School today, because they’d heard about the lecture that some of them had missed. The lecture ideas were the main topic of conversation in the classes as those who were there shared ideas with the others. The impact could be far reaching, I think, as these kids are going to a CS Easter Camp next weekend where there are other lecturers and speakers coming. I think some of them might talk about this youth lecture and share some of the ideas from it with other kids in Australia and New Zealand.
After doing this lecture, I decided that what I need is two different lectures- one for 10-20 year olds and the other for adults. So I edited the lecture again and established language and examples that were appropriate for Sunday School age kids. This one will be called Prayer and Making Decisions. Then I began editing a second lecture for adults that will be a workshop lecture, which we have been told to stay away from, but I think after 4 years there might be an audience and demand. The adult lecture/workshop will be called “Swimming with Sharks: Prayer and Ethics in Today’s World. I’ve purchased website names for both these lectures. Next year we’re going to try to have a website for each lecture. The youth lecture site will be makedecisions.org and swimwithsharks.org
After the successful youth lecture we had a brief interval and then the adult lecture at a community center. 46 people total with about 10 newcomers. A group of CSists came from a town an hour away and talked with me for 15 minutes afterward. They wanted to know more about being a chaplain and interaction with the community.
A member whose husband has passed recently brought her adult son. He wanted to talk about why his dad died. That people’s thoughts made a difference made sense to him. Then the mother, who had been noticeably uninvolved at the lecture prep apologized saying that she had just put down her favorite horse and had been disturbed about it at the prep, but that after the prep and the lecture she felt she had had a healing of the distress.
Others wanted to talk about personal challenges. The turn around was noticeable. All smiles after the lectures, all positive comments. In fact two people came to hear the lecture again today at Hornsby and one brought a friend from Perth who had just arrived.
I also heard that 5 new people came to the church service. Although they were not the visitors from the lecture, I pointed out to the lecture chair that this was the result of the lecture. They seem to have an odd idea that the work for the lecture is in a vacuum, when in fact, the prayer and view of everyone in the community being spiritually-minded is ongoing and continues to have a healing effect. That new people came to the service is a direct result of the prayer involved in the lecture.
Gosford Youth Lecture
This was an experience. John Strang our ride from Sydney handed me the flyer for the Gosford lectures on Friday as we’re driving from Hornsby to Terrigal, where we were staying for the Gosford lectures on Saturday. Imagine my surprise to discover that I was doing a lecture on Decision-making that I didn’t have with me! I wrote the lecture for the Chicago Youth Summit with a target audience of 15-30 yr olds with the upper end dominating. So when we got to Terrigal I printed out what I had on my computer and did a bit of an edit before the lecture prep.
Imagine my further surprise to discover that they were planning for 10-20 year olds for their lecture. Well, my lecture was nowhere near appropriate for 10 year olds. I worked late that night and the next morning and had it ready by 10am when we were picked up for the 11am lecture.
They didn’t have the appropriate white boards, nor any idea how they were going to set up the Sunday School area. They had this vague notion that everyone was going to sit on the floor. When I said this was a proper lecture, there was a bit of resistance. In fact when I walked into the lecture prep Friday night there was a huge amount of resistance. They heard that I was unaware of the lecture they were doing, then I made a comment that the boards they’d gotten weren’t large enough for the adult lecture, etc etc. I discovered later that this church really wasn’t prepared at all for these lectures. They were completely absorbed in planning for Reading Room meetings that had just taken place and another one going to take place. The invitations hadn’t been printed until 2 weeks or less before the lecture. I hadn’t received a draft copy because I was already lecturing in Australia and enormously busy, thus the title surprise. Then the Sunday School was set up with two rows of chairs facing one another. I ended up sitting at the top of this gauntlet facing a group of dour faces. No one cracked a smile and barely participated in the entire lecture prep. Many members didn’t even bother to come to the lecture prep nor the lecture, I found out later.
So after the prep, they asked how I wanted to set the room up for the youth lecture. I gave them a couple choices. One of which was to suggest that they could do a workshop type lecture with tables and chairs. They didn’t see how that would work, but I illustrated with one of their lovely round tables. Soon a couple of the men were rearranging the room. They had an idea of putting their tiny whiteboards over their bulletin board, which would be ok for a white board on the wall, and we set the room that night before going the half hour back to the hotel. When I got to the hotel, I started working again on the lecture and got up early the next morning to edit again and reprint. While I was doing that I asked Dave to do some specific prayerful work. He did.
The lecture went beautifully. About a dozen kids came and a dozen adults. I had the adults participate as well, which some were loathe to do but they got into it. It was very participatory and everyone really enjoyed it. The discussions started out slowly but soon the kids got into it when I had them doing a project at the tables without any interference from the adults or me. By the end of the lecture everyone was enthusing about what a great lecture it was. The adults were coming up to me big smiles saying this was way better than anything they had ever imagined. The kids talked with me and asked personal questions. A couple of the kids decided to come to the adult lecture that afternoon. I understand they had all the kids in their Sunday School come to Sunday School today, because they’d heard about the lecture that some of them had missed. The lecture ideas were the main topic of conversation in the classes as those who were there shared ideas with the others. The impact could be far reaching, I think, as these kids are going to a CS Easter Camp next weekend where there are other lecturers and speakers coming. I think some of them might talk about this youth lecture and share some of the ideas from it with other kids in Australia and New Zealand.
After doing this lecture, I decided that what I need is two different lectures- one for 10-20 year olds and the other for adults. So I edited the lecture again and established language and examples that were appropriate for Sunday School age kids. This one will be called Prayer and Making Decisions. Then I began editing a second lecture for adults that will be a workshop lecture, which we have been told to stay away from, but I think after 4 years there might be an audience and demand. The adult lecture/workshop will be called “Swimming with Sharks: Prayer and Ethics in Today’s World. I’ve purchased website names for both these lectures. Next year we’re going to try to have a website for each lecture. The youth lecture site will be makedecisions.org and swimwithsharks.org
After the successful youth lecture we had a brief interval and then the adult lecture at a community center. 46 people total with about 10 newcomers. A group of CSists came from a town an hour away and talked with me for 15 minutes afterward. They wanted to know more about being a chaplain and interaction with the community.
A member whose husband has passed recently brought her adult son. He wanted to talk about why his dad died. That people’s thoughts made a difference made sense to him. Then the mother, who had been noticeably uninvolved at the lecture prep apologized saying that she had just put down her favorite horse and had been disturbed about it at the prep, but that after the prep and the lecture she felt she had had a healing of the distress.
Others wanted to talk about personal challenges. The turn around was noticeable. All smiles after the lectures, all positive comments. In fact two people came to hear the lecture again today at Hornsby and one brought a friend from Perth who had just arrived.
I also heard that 5 new people came to the church service. Although they were not the visitors from the lecture, I pointed out to the lecture chair that this was the result of the lecture. They seem to have an odd idea that the work for the lecture is in a vacuum, when in fact, the prayer and view of everyone in the community being spiritually-minded is ongoing and continues to have a healing effect. That new people came to the service is a direct result of the prayer involved in the lecture.
Hornsby Australia
Fruitage Hornsby
Possibilities of Prayer in their Sunday School
Total: 54
New: 12
This group is very open, supportive and enthusiastic. Such a contrast from Gosford. The lecture prep was rousing and everyone participated fully with great joy and energy. The minister and two members of the church next door came to the lecture and seemed particularly pleased that it was based on the Bible. A woman whose neighbor invited her said that she was a Presbyterian but really enjoyed the talk. Another woman brought by a neighbor said that he kept telling her to spiritualize her thought, but she didn’t know what that meant or how to do it. Now after the lecture, she saw precisely how to spiritualize thought ie the helicopter method of prayer. She took extensive notes and said she would read all the references.
Another couple has been attending church but have never been to a lecture. They enthusiastically talked to members afterward saying how the lecture explained prayer to them.
A member from Gosford who brought a lady from Perth to the lecture said that after the lecture prep she had gone home and immediately started reading all the references. The prep had given an impulse to her study. The lecture had done the same and she had looked up the references from the lecture as well.
We had lunch with the practitioner in the church at her lovely home. It is a park like setting. Next time it would be delightful to stay there, lots of birds and she is two minutes from a park. After the lecture, she said how helpful it was to the members to have these events which fed the members as well as the visitors. She indicated that there was a need among the members for fresh inspiration and views, which the prep and lecture had given.
I also had a visit with a new lecturer and turns out fairly new practitioner. We didn’t talk about lecturing so much as about the practice, demands on one’s time, and juggling schedules. This dear one hadn’t smiled once during the lecture or before. But finally after we had talked for awhile she began smiling and laughing. I felt this was a healing, perhaps a lifting of a sense of burden or pressure.
There was a bit of confusion, I think about the time of this lecture as we had people coming in as if the lecture was a 3pm. But as I give several resumes of the main points throughout the lecture, I just made sure to do so for those who arrived late.
Members were saying at the lecture that they had invited people using the phrase, You are so spiritually-minded, and that the visitors had come! They were talking about how helpful it was to keep in thought the spiritual view of others. This church was so receptive to the spiritual ideas of the prep and lecture. I expect to hear lovely things from them.
Possibilities of Prayer in their Sunday School
Total: 54
New: 12
This group is very open, supportive and enthusiastic. Such a contrast from Gosford. The lecture prep was rousing and everyone participated fully with great joy and energy. The minister and two members of the church next door came to the lecture and seemed particularly pleased that it was based on the Bible. A woman whose neighbor invited her said that she was a Presbyterian but really enjoyed the talk. Another woman brought by a neighbor said that he kept telling her to spiritualize her thought, but she didn’t know what that meant or how to do it. Now after the lecture, she saw precisely how to spiritualize thought ie the helicopter method of prayer. She took extensive notes and said she would read all the references.
Another couple has been attending church but have never been to a lecture. They enthusiastically talked to members afterward saying how the lecture explained prayer to them.
A member from Gosford who brought a lady from Perth to the lecture said that after the lecture prep she had gone home and immediately started reading all the references. The prep had given an impulse to her study. The lecture had done the same and she had looked up the references from the lecture as well.
We had lunch with the practitioner in the church at her lovely home. It is a park like setting. Next time it would be delightful to stay there, lots of birds and she is two minutes from a park. After the lecture, she said how helpful it was to the members to have these events which fed the members as well as the visitors. She indicated that there was a need among the members for fresh inspiration and views, which the prep and lecture had given.
I also had a visit with a new lecturer and turns out fairly new practitioner. We didn’t talk about lecturing so much as about the practice, demands on one’s time, and juggling schedules. This dear one hadn’t smiled once during the lecture or before. But finally after we had talked for awhile she began smiling and laughing. I felt this was a healing, perhaps a lifting of a sense of burden or pressure.
There was a bit of confusion, I think about the time of this lecture as we had people coming in as if the lecture was a 3pm. But as I give several resumes of the main points throughout the lecture, I just made sure to do so for those who arrived late.
Members were saying at the lecture that they had invited people using the phrase, You are so spiritually-minded, and that the visitors had come! They were talking about how helpful it was to keep in thought the spiritual view of others. This church was so receptive to the spiritual ideas of the prep and lecture. I expect to hear lovely things from them.
Thursday 2 April 2009
New Plymouth feedback
We're the ones who should be thanking you putting on a great cracking pace - barnstorming us into action.
Sally in Perth said they are hiring two big whiteboards, so have a smile when you see the boards.
We had Colin and Helen Broadhead stay with us for a couple more days after the lecture. If you recall they were at the workshop, and had driven up from Wanganui. Helen is in the practice.
The day after the lecture they went into town and upon entering a store the attendant came up, and asked if they were visitors. They said yes, they were up from Wanganui. She then asked what brought them up. They said 'a Christian Science talk'. The attendant said, did you see that lady who just went out the door, a friend of mine. She went to it, and thought it was fabulous and was telling me all about it, and we are going to talk some more.'
So Day 1 and some fruitage :-)
Our love to Dave too. Sterling of him to keep you company, whizzing about. As I said earlier, it's normally the Navy you join to see the world.
Much good
Scott & Coreen
Sally in Perth said they are hiring two big whiteboards, so have a smile when you see the boards.
We had Colin and Helen Broadhead stay with us for a couple more days after the lecture. If you recall they were at the workshop, and had driven up from Wanganui. Helen is in the practice.
The day after the lecture they went into town and upon entering a store the attendant came up, and asked if they were visitors. They said yes, they were up from Wanganui. She then asked what brought them up. They said 'a Christian Science talk'. The attendant said, did you see that lady who just went out the door, a friend of mine. She went to it, and thought it was fabulous and was telling me all about it, and we are going to talk some more.'
So Day 1 and some fruitage :-)
Our love to Dave too. Sterling of him to keep you company, whizzing about. As I said earlier, it's normally the Navy you join to see the world.
Much good
Scott & Coreen
Wednesday 1 April 2009
Last of New Zealand
The past few days have been busy with travelling, a live radio lecture, along with workshops and lectures.
We flew from Nelson to Wellington. It was a completely different view than flying to Nelson, which had been over aqua seas, volcanic islands, fjords and beaches. Returning we flew over mountains, hills and farmfields, then a windy channel between the islands. Glad we were aloft! We landing in a bit of a gale, but the pilot of the small aircraft made it look easy. I also got blown over descending to the tarmac.
Wellington is like a small San Francisco, tall buildings on a small bay. We had our best meal thanks to the lecture chair who shared a 2-1 coupon for the hotel restaurant. Dave had steak and I had prawns in a wonderful Indian curry sauce. Then on to the workshop. Next morning the site was filled with people sitting in the hallway. Talked with visitors for an hour, then on to the bus station. It was a bit of a muddle. Lovely town, Wellington, but no parking. So they dropped us off and then the bus ticket person said the bus was FULL and we couldn’t travel until the next day. That wouldn’t work. So we went to the platform indicated, finally talked to a bus driver who told us to go out front where the taxis were and our bus would be there. Off we went, grabbing a sandwich to go, and talked to a couple taxi drivers who directed us back to the bus platform. Praise God, but I felt impelled to approach a van driver and on the way, another driver stopped me and asked if we were looking for the bus to New Plymouth. Turns out it’s a little van. We climbed aboard and the next 6 hours were spent hopping from one little town to another. Changed buses mid-way and arrived about 9pm in New Plymouth with happy faces to greet us. We all walked to the hotel and then off for a decaf. It was Earth Hour so the place was lit with candles, but very nice.
We thoroughly enjoyed our time in New Plymouth. Next morning took a walk along the sea with the surf banging over the walkway. Had brunch overlooking the ocean. Lovely. That afternoon they packed their lecture hall. Afterward we had dinner with Coreen and Scott in their beautiful home with a view of the Taranaki volcano. Oh my, can’t describe how lovely. Scott is an artist and his front door is carved indigenous style, metal sculptures all about outside, his mother’s paintings on every wall inside, totem poles in the carpark, truly a picture. The meal was fabulous and got to visit with a practitioner and her husband who drove a couple hours to spend the day in NPlymouth.
After dinner was the lecture prep, yes I know out of sequence, but there you are. After giving the hour talk they wanted, there were questions and then they asked for a summary of another talk on Church Growth. I prayed and just decided to go ahead and did another half hour. We got home about 10:30pm.
Off the next morning at 6:30am to catch the bus to Hamilton. This ride was spectacular. Couldn’t keep my eyes open for the whole thing, but striking mountains, craggy hills covered in trees, dramatic seacoast views. It was everything one could hope for re scenery. We arrived at 11am, checked into the hotel and did a lecture prep that evening after a long nap. Next day was the live radio lecture, one hour with a host giving the talk “God is Speaking to You” live on air. This was a first. It went beautifully. The host is an Episcopal priest who believes in and practices healing. You would have thought we’d done this a hundred times before. It was flawless. People came to the lecture that night who had heard the radio program. Had a couple hours between events, then on to the evening talk.
Dave and I took a walk this morning on the beautiful walkway along the river beside our hotel. It extends 14km but we did about 1-2km. Lots of ducks. Saw a Silvereye and wonderful special Goldfinch with orangey-red faces. Went to an internet café and had a major problem with the computer. 1 hour and nothing done. Not good. Then moved to another internet café and praise the Lord the owner came and helped me. My email address had gotten corrupted somehow and nothing would go in or out. I still have a problem with elise@elisemoore.com, can’t send anything only receive. But at least I can get messages out via gmail again. I spent 2 hours there with this guy helping me. At the end we finally got it connected. Just as Dave hurried in telling me the van to Auckland was waiting and I needed to get the lead out.
Off we went via van for another couple hours. Pretty ride, but not spectacular. I snoozed through part of it. Got here and thank you Father I have an internet connection that works. So I’ve spent the past 4-5 hours catching up on all the work that has backed up. We leave tomorrow morning at 7am for Sydney, which means getting up at 3:45. I’m wondering who put this schedule together, smile.
We’ve really enjoyed New Zealand. We’d like to come back and do a pelagic birding trip to the little islands around NZ and then into the mountains to see the kiwi and other special birds. We’ve gotten to see quite a bit considering, and feel so privileged to have been given this opportunity.
Well until next time.
Love,
We flew from Nelson to Wellington. It was a completely different view than flying to Nelson, which had been over aqua seas, volcanic islands, fjords and beaches. Returning we flew over mountains, hills and farmfields, then a windy channel between the islands. Glad we were aloft! We landing in a bit of a gale, but the pilot of the small aircraft made it look easy. I also got blown over descending to the tarmac.
Wellington is like a small San Francisco, tall buildings on a small bay. We had our best meal thanks to the lecture chair who shared a 2-1 coupon for the hotel restaurant. Dave had steak and I had prawns in a wonderful Indian curry sauce. Then on to the workshop. Next morning the site was filled with people sitting in the hallway. Talked with visitors for an hour, then on to the bus station. It was a bit of a muddle. Lovely town, Wellington, but no parking. So they dropped us off and then the bus ticket person said the bus was FULL and we couldn’t travel until the next day. That wouldn’t work. So we went to the platform indicated, finally talked to a bus driver who told us to go out front where the taxis were and our bus would be there. Off we went, grabbing a sandwich to go, and talked to a couple taxi drivers who directed us back to the bus platform. Praise God, but I felt impelled to approach a van driver and on the way, another driver stopped me and asked if we were looking for the bus to New Plymouth. Turns out it’s a little van. We climbed aboard and the next 6 hours were spent hopping from one little town to another. Changed buses mid-way and arrived about 9pm in New Plymouth with happy faces to greet us. We all walked to the hotel and then off for a decaf. It was Earth Hour so the place was lit with candles, but very nice.
We thoroughly enjoyed our time in New Plymouth. Next morning took a walk along the sea with the surf banging over the walkway. Had brunch overlooking the ocean. Lovely. That afternoon they packed their lecture hall. Afterward we had dinner with Coreen and Scott in their beautiful home with a view of the Taranaki volcano. Oh my, can’t describe how lovely. Scott is an artist and his front door is carved indigenous style, metal sculptures all about outside, his mother’s paintings on every wall inside, totem poles in the carpark, truly a picture. The meal was fabulous and got to visit with a practitioner and her husband who drove a couple hours to spend the day in NPlymouth.
After dinner was the lecture prep, yes I know out of sequence, but there you are. After giving the hour talk they wanted, there were questions and then they asked for a summary of another talk on Church Growth. I prayed and just decided to go ahead and did another half hour. We got home about 10:30pm.
Off the next morning at 6:30am to catch the bus to Hamilton. This ride was spectacular. Couldn’t keep my eyes open for the whole thing, but striking mountains, craggy hills covered in trees, dramatic seacoast views. It was everything one could hope for re scenery. We arrived at 11am, checked into the hotel and did a lecture prep that evening after a long nap. Next day was the live radio lecture, one hour with a host giving the talk “God is Speaking to You” live on air. This was a first. It went beautifully. The host is an Episcopal priest who believes in and practices healing. You would have thought we’d done this a hundred times before. It was flawless. People came to the lecture that night who had heard the radio program. Had a couple hours between events, then on to the evening talk.
Dave and I took a walk this morning on the beautiful walkway along the river beside our hotel. It extends 14km but we did about 1-2km. Lots of ducks. Saw a Silvereye and wonderful special Goldfinch with orangey-red faces. Went to an internet café and had a major problem with the computer. 1 hour and nothing done. Not good. Then moved to another internet café and praise the Lord the owner came and helped me. My email address had gotten corrupted somehow and nothing would go in or out. I still have a problem with elise@elisemoore.com, can’t send anything only receive. But at least I can get messages out via gmail again. I spent 2 hours there with this guy helping me. At the end we finally got it connected. Just as Dave hurried in telling me the van to Auckland was waiting and I needed to get the lead out.
Off we went via van for another couple hours. Pretty ride, but not spectacular. I snoozed through part of it. Got here and thank you Father I have an internet connection that works. So I’ve spent the past 4-5 hours catching up on all the work that has backed up. We leave tomorrow morning at 7am for Sydney, which means getting up at 3:45. I’m wondering who put this schedule together, smile.
We’ve really enjoyed New Zealand. We’d like to come back and do a pelagic birding trip to the little islands around NZ and then into the mountains to see the kiwi and other special birds. We’ve gotten to see quite a bit considering, and feel so privileged to have been given this opportunity.
Well until next time.
Love,
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