Steve Ventola — Welcome everyone to our Temple of Light service, a time when we can devote our hearts and minds to listening and hearing the Word of the Lord.Maybe we can begin with sharing radiation. And if you're so inclined to have your hands together, or however you have a way of sharing radiation—and let's consider this instead of radiating-to, but receiving our world. Consider receiving your world.So consider the people in your world orthe elements in your world that look to be received by you.Let's just hold that for a moment, considering the people especially that are responsive to you.Let them be received.Let that reception allow them to be up-draftedinto our love for one another here and now.Receive your world.As we receive our world into one place,we allow our substance to come together, bringing it all before the Lord as we begin our devotional time—with Terry beginning our time, and Robert following. So, Terry, you may lead us from here.
Terry Kauffman —Thank you so much, Steve, for that beautiful beginning. Warm greetings to everyone! I’d like to start with some words that I feel set the Tone, as well, for this time.
Here in this holy place
beauty, reverence and kindness prevail.
Light of Truth clarifies the day, and darkness of unreality dissolves
like mist before the rising sun.
Here, illumination is simply the essence of understanding
mingled with the fullness of appreciation and blessing for
whatever comes to us, howsoever and from whomsoever it may come.
Here, value is in being and giving:lighting the world with the truth of one’s being,
giving expression to the things of heaven,
letting invisible design be seen in visible representation
fulfilling the purpose for which each one was created.
Here, as we stand in the place of connection, a holy place
where ascending and descending currents of life converge,
Behold! A body of substance is available to create
all things new on earth for the Lord’s pleasure,
Here and Now.
It’s a particular pleasure and delight to be with you here and now, in this holy place, this place of worship, this place of connection. We have a specific opportunity to present ourselves before the Lord, to come into His presence, to let our hearts and minds be stilled. I’m sure we would agree that this is a most sacred and privileged invitation. We each bring the substance of our living that we have generated in the cycle of time that has preceded this moment. Can you can sense the depth of humility, rightly, the sense of worshipfulness, the sensing of ascending substance. It really is a matter of how deliberate have we been with each moment, each precious opportunity that has come our way.
The overwhelming feeling I have is one of utter love and appreciation for the individual and collective parts that we each contribute and for the job we came on earth to steward. As Steve and Carol so beautifully brought to focus last month, outlining in detail the large and small cycles that have been in motion, it certainly puts the role we each play into sharp focus, emphasizing ever more clearly our moment-by-moment responsibility—the restoration of sacredness. Where there is sacredness, the atmosphere is clear, clean, it’s golden, if you will, full of creative possibilities. The atmosphere of heavenly things naturally grows and develops and flourishes. As this sacred atmosphere is developed, we know and understand our responsibility to sustain that state so that what needs to unfold in the creative cycles may do so decently and in order.
It comes to focus for each one of us in every moment—each moment grants us this unique opportunity to bless, to create. A few weekends ago some of us here in the Atlanta area had the pleasure of attending a social event which included a number of us who are gathered here today along with a grouping of people most of us had never met before. There were many in attendance and I could see the time together was richly enjoyed by all who were present. The overall enjoyment from my perspective was the fact of the caliber of conversation that we had. During a delightful interchange I had with one woman, we marveled at the quality of what we were sharing and spoke about the fact that if 30 or so people were able to share what we were sharing in Atlanta, Georgia, how many other groupings of people were sharing a similar quality? You might say that what was experienced, although probably not articulated in these words, was touching an aspect of the “kingdom of heaven”—there was a sense of family, a sense of oneness and those present experienced ease, love and a great deal of joy.
Robert Kauffman — Thank you, Terry, for that wonderful introduction and for providing a setting for our shared creation, now during this hour. I find the image of the party particularly fitting, as it was an experience we can all relate to—people blending together in a moment of unified radiation. In that instance, we shared in the purpose that all might feel at home, that each conversation might bring the touch of friendship. When such interactions between guests become so vibrant and creative, you know it! For me, that occasion provided a clear vision into the heaven of that moment.
It reminds me of a sketch I made a few weeks ago during a different gathering of friends. I was thinking of what image I could draw that envisions the whole body of mankind as an instrument of collective glory—envisions that body as a blessing to all of the earth. Clearly, that was a lofty pursuit, but I thought my powerful intention might spur something to mind, at least in terms of form.
I instinctively turned to the natural world for inspiration. What came to mind was a memory of walking through some hayfields in Tennessee one afternoon. I was enjoying my solitude, when suddenly a murmuration of starlings materialized in the sky above and around me. It surprised the heck out of me at first, but I was soon reveling in the spectacle for the greater part of half an hour. The swirling pattern of birds was dipping and swarming and turning abruptly—only to fold back on itself time and time again. The undulations were exhilarating and unforgettable, and listening to the clatter of cries, I was convinced that the thousands of birds flew in absolute joy and harmony. And so that’s what I drew for my friends—a murmuration of human beings flowing in formation like the birds. That vision stays with me even now.
Now I’m not going to show you my drawing—it could hardly begin to reveal the grandeur of this natural wonder. But I invite you instead to join me in appreciating the starlings. Here’s a brief video to remind you of how magnificent a typical murmuration may be and listen—listen to the birds as they call out to one another.
YouTube Video
I love watching those birds! I chose this particular sequence because it alone zooms in close, illustrating to my mind the individual experience from the bird’s point of view. It’s like looking into the heart of the matter, what’s happening inside. Did you hear the intensity? Did you notice the seeming disconnect between the micro and the macro levels of this visible form? I would point out that the murmuration is so beautiful because each bird is playing its part. Seeming chaos morphs into perfect balance.
I looked up Google’s interpretation of what we’ve just seen, and read the following: “Starling murmurations … often carry symbolic meaning related to community, unity, and adaptability. They can also symbolize the power of collective intelligence, trust, and the ability to navigate change.” This made it sound like my ‘human murmuration’ was landing in the right place, which I would summarize by one word: ‘agreement’. The implication is that each starling moves in unison with the control factor—innate, instinctual, as it may be—and flying as best it can, it has its own agency. At such speed and buffeted by unpredictable currents, each bird adds in the creation of the whole, as I said, with apparent passion and joy. This is at least one example of what a body of human beings might strive for.
Now perhaps you’ve had a chance to view similar waves of human beings in a city—for instance, the foot traffic in New York City. When the film is sped up to approximate the speed of those starlings and shot from around 1000 feet, above, the pattern of humanity shifts into eddies and sudden spurts as the crowd winds its way along sidewalks, across streets, and into the face of traffic. I‘ve often walked those streets, in similar crowds, and I’ll tell you there’s not much joy felt in that situation! There may be a smidgeon of agreement—yes, we were all in a rush to get somewhere very fast. However, we were an unconscious community, almost completely concerned with our own affairs.
In preparing for this presentation, I was thinking perhaps mass human celebrations do offer a more positive example. I could include Hands Across America and We Are The World from the 1980’s, to name a couple. But a true portrait of humanity is not just a matter of huge numbers doing something in unison. Now, I would rather return to the party Terry mentioned earlier—something much closer to home. As she said, it seemed like everyone who attended was primed to share themselves in the moment. From arrival, the guests went out of their way to engage with others, to step out of habitual siloes. For example, I wandered directly to a seat on the couch and found myself between two older women I’d never met before. One of them broke the ice by exclaiming how much she’d been looking forward to this party—and that she was from Nashville, Tennessee. Now, I’d never been to Nashville but we were soon ensconced in the Great Smokies, Knoxville and bluegrass with our minds flying together with the agility of Starlings—engulfed within a common spirit—good vibes, we used to call it. And catching a side glance through the house I sensed the whole crowd was doing the same. Now, I can assure you there was no visible murmuration wafting through the house, but I could feel the kind and friendly energy that did flow with eddies and spurts, swooping from one conversation into another, touching hearts with reflected joy. It was by all accounts a blessing for all who took part.
If only I could draw those lines of vibrational interchange within my image of murmuration, because human beings are first and foremost vibrational beings. We share a common joy of Life even though we are blessed with such differences in form. When we let go of preconceived notions of ourselves we live freely within a vibrational community.
These thoughts have given me a new look at our community here together this morning, afternoon and evening. Since most of us are disbursed across the nation and the world, we must, of necessity, gather together virtually through electronic means. We’ve been doing so in pretty much the same groupings over the past five years and creating invisible patterns of agreement that emerge and shift, always new. We have allowed the spirit of the moment to form our joyful community and lead us to speak and move with one accord. This is the picture I’m after, the picture of a living body of human beings and we have done this; we do this. We are boundless in the air of spirit moving with the urge of the present moment.
This is the invisible realm of the heart. I am privileged to meet you here and in particular, to come before you now in company with Terry. I think it is a miraculous thing how distance makes no difference to how we commune together over an hour of service. There may be a few visible connections with the broader world, and as heaven is brought to bear in our collective consideration, it’s easy to ‘see’ the blessing released. We’ve used this present moment, through words and feeling, to bring the hand of the Lord into the earth.
Terry Kauffman — As Robert just emphasized again, it is all contained in the precious “present moment”, isn’t it? We all know that’s the only one-time opportunity we have to create. I personally like to look at each day as a clean slate, an empty page, one that is filled with the moments of my day. The colors, textures, designs are all dependent upon what I bring to focus—feelings, thoughts, words and actions. I then have the opportunity at the end of the day to reflect on my creation—don’t’ we find that it’s easier to make necessary adjustments when things are fresh? We can ask ourselves questions about that day, and one of the questions I ask myself is: “Did the words I speak assist in the creation of heaven or did they create something else”?
There is a quotation from the Bible: “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” This is found in Proverbs 25:11 and it emphasizes the power and value of speaking the right words at the right time in the right spirit. “A word fitly spoken …” Now, the masterful and sensitive use of words to my mind is one of the greatest opportunities we have. Words rightly are a vehicle for attunement and our words are powerful instruments. Can we even imagine how many words would have been uttered through our lips over the past week? What did those words create—what was their intent—because if we’re honest there is always intent. Were they words spoken with limited thought or consideration—maybe spoken in reaction—perhaps regarding world events or feelings about events? Was the conversation we had creative? Did any complaints or judgments find their way in? Because we know that words can either dissipate the pressure or the power in our experience of life, or they can be used, very deliberately, as a means of increasing the expression of power. It might seem like a small thing, “Oh, darn, I slipped up, I just wasn’t thinking” and I know that we all know that in these very dramatic and concentrated times, every word is significant.
I was reminded of our Master’s life and what He was able to accomplish in His public ministry between the ages of thirty and thirty-three—just think of everything He accomplished! We remember in His meeting of the Three Temptations, He recognized and acknowledged for Himself that, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” In other words, the momentary words of life, those things which form up out of the heaven in each moment for each person. Now, what if He had taken the attitude, “Oh, I’ve got plenty of time. It doesn’t have to be every word. I can let slip a word here and a word there, it doesn’t have to be that specific”. No, it really is that specific, it really is every word that proceeds out of our mouth—which, by the way, is always preceded by what is in one’s heart, the feeling realm.
Words rightly are vessels for the light; and I know we all know this, but it’s essential to recognize that there is always choice involved with respect to the words which we speak. Along with this, it is vitally important to recognize that the words we speak do create exactly in relation to the depth of feeling behind them. I’m really not saying anything new here, just reminding us of these very important factors. Because, it’s clear, that in these very dramatic and concentrated times, we know what is required. We know that though the human tendency when the going gets rough is to retreat, dissipate and give up, we welcome the opportunity to function perfectly—holding steady, letting the pressure build. It is so important to see the opportunities which arise under pressure; that is the time when the inclination to express is according to pre-established patterns that oftentimes can be destructive. As I said previously, we have a choice—not just of changing our function or changing our mind, but of changing the orientation of our heart in that moment to one of thankfulness and appreciation, we’ve heard that a time or two! A quote by Uranda really sums it up for me: And he starts out “remember this” my two favorite words of Uranda’s! “Remember this—whenever pressures appear, hold center and give thanks to God for the battle that is drawn. It is for you to remain centered and hold steady under pressure, for if there be no pressure there can be no victory.”
Isn’t that beautiful? It’s such wise instruction. Now, what have I brought to focus today was the use of words but, obviously, this right use of pressure and consequently power has vast implications for our feelings, thoughts and actions, as well. Seems to me like great starting points for future considerations.
Robert Kauffman —Words always matter. As Terry said, words are spoken directly from the heart. Our capacity of speech is known by many who research these things, as the most unique characteristic of human beings. It’s the way we think and communicate, and potentially, also, the way we encourage or agree with other human beings. In other words, short of just being silent, speech is a primary vehicle by which we bless our worlds, by which we commune. For better or worse, our societies, our cultures and our civilizations have been built on a torrent of words.
Now, reflecting back on the murmuration of the starlings for just a moment, I would repeat that it touches my heart because that form suggests to me the dynamic flow of Life, reminiscent of a whirlwind, perhaps and one stands in awe of the seeming lack of control which, as we saw, always resolves into new forms. In the case of the starlings, it’s clearly not a danger. In the human analogy, however, lack of control continues to be a very real threat. There are often nowadays so very few visible signs of control. We have the power to change this, to bring control into these patterns of consciousness and apply it within ourselves first and then to the care and fulfillment of our communities. We are in the business of reflecting the spirit of our LORD and KING into this spiraling human world. I would emphasize, as Terry has just stated, that Uranda and Martin spoke often about the power of words when used rightly.
What kind of speech is required of us? It is “… every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Nothing less. What is the task that lies before us in these challenging times? Uranda speaks to that question in a talk later entitled, “The Need to Abide in Love Response” spoken July 19, 1950:
“The task is not a small one—but we are not here to ask God for just the little tasks, the ones that do not require much courage or time or concern. We are here to accept our responsibility, along with our privileges. We are here to render service to God by rendering service to humanity. We are here to seek out and to prove "that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" before us that we may accomplish that work to which we are called. Let us never forget that fullness of vision which recognizes the whole, the wholeness of the Unit in its relationship to God, and the wholeness of our field of ministry as it reaches out and encompasses the whole earth.
“We are responsible for ourselves and for that which we do. Let us be true to that responsibility. Let us let the mind that was in Christ Jesus be in us now and always, so that out of the abundance of our hearts the things of God may find expression on our lips, through our deeds, through our thoughts, that at all times we may let the light so shine that men may see our good works, the lives that we live, and glorify our Father which is in heaven.”
Isn’t that why we incarnated? Uranda has invited us all into a vibrational ministry over his many years of teaching. I’ve just read a quote which describes a vision for the coordinated efforts of us all. Our job is to make this into a living vision: that all who respond may come home through me—and we all can say that.
