Copyrighted Logo

css menu by Css3Menu.com


 

Bruce's 5th book, a Home Study Course, is now available.
Books & Tapes by Bruce Moen
    Bruce's Blog now at http://www.afterlife-knowledge.com/blog....

  HomeHelpSearchLoginRegister  
 
Pages: 1 
Send Topic Print
What is Grace? a question I had (Read 8009 times)
LaffingRain
Super Member
*****
Offline


Choose this Day

Posts: 5249
Arizona
Gender: female
What is Grace? a question I had
Sep 16th, 2005 at 11:38am
 
I wondered what grace was; this came to me, and I kept it in my notes; I shared it once a few years back and I'd like to share it again with my friends here if it can be of any benefit to you as well. within it are some references to the act of retrieval.
_______
3/18/03 direct line - RECOVERING GRACE -ALLOCATION OF GRACE: HOW THE IMAGINATION CAN TURN INTO REALITY. not so much leaning on the everlasting arms, but being plugged into grace as a probe, a focus attentive to grace. grace, a given, grace as in no price tag, grace as a state of being, as in being connected to that which is in the seed of life. that which is denied or overlooked when birthing into a system where memory is erased of who we are, for the purposes of gathering more knowledge of who we are through the linear time-walk of density. we are not dense, we chose this. grace is a given when we accept grace as a condition for returning to source. it is a gift offered, but is given no attention frequently until a man is broken. yet this is experience also, no judgement can be placed on the broken man, he remains locked within  grace although his attention is fixed on something quite different. he has the choice to fix his attention in any direction he chooses and his thought will follow his attention. his attentiveness to his own thoughts will only generate more like thoughts, yet herein is his creative power, for he can turn his thoughts in other directions at will by being attentive to what is other possibilities, such as a unity thought, as opposed to a separation thought. cognitive thought is to give thoughtful consideration to ALL the possibilities within a system where all belief systems are allowed to express. man is supremely free to look in whatever direction he chooses to place his attention, but once encased in his belief system he is  most often obliged to act it out on stage earthlife as he has chosen to limit himself by his birth into ELS and believes that he IS his belief system and does not recognize he is More than his belief system. he has chosen to ignore other belief systems operating alongside himself, in order to experience the effects of this particular reality. this supports the probe theory of the soul gathering experience to bring back to the disc. this also supports how man, the energy being, the I AM conscousness can, although having taken leave of the physical body, can continue to experience itself as within a belief structure, having identified that structure as being intrinsic to its nature, even going so far as identifying with such as a means of survival of that individuality to the extent that other belief systems operating can be interpreted as threatening, thus we have the basis of fear, mistrust and defense operating right alongside the generosity, PUL and good will. the stuck energy is found in physical body as well, even more so than on the 2nd layer or focus' 23 through 27. the 2nd layer is most often thought of as an astral plane closest to earth density reality. if the recently departed has developed no paradigm for what death looks like, he can remain within an area of consciousness wherein most of his attention was focused while on earth as this was his indentification. if all his attention was focused on surviving, here he will enact the scene of death through thinking "I must stay alive." his attention remains here, not for eternity as in our terms, but in an eternally now moment. he is not cognizant of possibilities for moving beyond this belief structure as he has not given attention to building a paradigm as concerning afterlife or a future existance in a dis-embodied state. he does not perceive helpers of an invisable nature who may be attempting to persuade him from his attention in all cases. he can see those who are still in physical form as they are vibrating at a closer frequency to his own and these, called retrievers in this time period, yet this is an ancient occupation; are able to get his attention,  if only for a brief moment, he can be distracted from the circumstances of his demise, his attention is at once focused on the possibilities, a link to cognitive thinking and the creative material begins to fade away that is his own creation of the circumstances of his death directly in association with his re-focus on the retriever, who transfers this attention to others who work in this realm. this is a clinical definition only and the energy of PUL is inherently one and the same value which permeates the entire universe in which you move and have your being. this analysis started out with by terming "recovering grace." it is by the grace of God you live, but to fully realize this, is to "live" here no more. you have never left the heart of God.
3/21/03 ALLOcation of grace, is like allotment, this energy is measured out according to the size, so to speak, of the cup being held up to be filled. it is available to all as the sun is made to shine upon all regardless of judgement of man. it goes to designated places where it was prepared to be received. what is preparation entail? it is in the idea of the broken man. it is in surrender of ideas that cease to work. who is it that has prepared for their measure of this energy to enter in? it is those who have agreed at this time to anchor the light. this energy has been termed a miracle but it is a natural process law which has worked sporadically for the individual through time, as there are few grasping the principle of surrendering belief systems, as this would entail an egoless state. an egoless state is an allowance state of being. peace is allowed to enter without obstruction through surrender of the energy of that which is opposite to grace. what is opposite to grace? opposite to grace is held within the principle of warring energy, pride, scorn, that of demanding, that of anger is inherant, and these emoting are spawned of fear, the need for defenses, self-protection the same. fear and love are not compatible in the same space, there is a need for choosing at this time. the grace, in olden times was said to be the holy spirit (whole spirit) who stands on the threshold and knocks, yet the door is only opened by the ego's choice. this is free will. often grace will attend the individual when continuing to live is presided over by an observance of meaninglessness; therein is a preparatory stage for surrender to grace. grace brings the natural inheritance of joy returning to the spirit. when man turns his attention in pride to technology and might with its destructive capacity he is brought to meaninglessness. before this, he imagines himself having a bit of fun, bigger bangs imply progress towards righteousness prevailing. he imagines himself the saviour of those less fortunate than himself. the trick is not to see others as less fortunate than himself, but to empower those others with knowledge of themselves, of their eternal energetic quality and ability for self-discovery. this war is over-kill. it is likened unto dropping a bomb on a small bird, a slingshot would do the job just as well. however it unfolds this way through freedom of will which is all that mankind possesses as an ego, allowed to construct himself, or destruct himself.
Back to top
 

... Who takes away death's sting deprives life of bitterness
WWW http://www.facebook.com/LaughingRain2  
IP Logged
 
recoverer
Super Member
*****
Offline


Afterlife Knowledge Member

Posts: 5027
Gender: male
Re: What is Grace? a question I had
Reply #1 - Sep 16th, 2005 at 11:59am
 
Grace = Life
Back to top
 
 
IP Logged
 
LaffingRain
Super Member
*****
Offline


Choose this Day

Posts: 5249
Arizona
Gender: female
Re: What is Grace? a question I had
Reply #2 - Sep 16th, 2005 at 1:59pm
 
True Albert. maybe I shouldn't have been so wordy? ha ha! love to you, alysia
Back to top
 

... Who takes away death's sting deprives life of bitterness
WWW http://www.facebook.com/LaughingRain2  
IP Logged
 
Berserk
Super Member
*****
Offline


Afterlife Knowledge Member

Posts: 979
Gender: male
Re: What is Grace? a question I had
Reply #3 - Sep 16th, 2005 at 4:04pm
 
Alysia,

Good question!  Of course, "grace" literally means "unmerited favor," but that barely scratches the surface.    A few decades ago a conference on comparative religions was held at Oxford University.  Someone asked what concept most distinguished Christianity from other religions.   Scholar-author C. S. Lewis came in late and heard the question.  He snapped, "That's easy!  It's grace."  The conference participants quickly agreed. Of course, Lewis didn't mean that other religions utterly lack grace.  But the centrality of grace is what most distinguishes biblical Christianity. 

Because grace means "unmerited favor", the only proper response to grace is a life based on gratitude.  Because "love" is such a jargon word, little is conveyed by claiming Christianity stresses love.  It is more useful to say that Christian love must be an expression of gratitude.  Since I can't earn my salvation, why should I do good works?  To make my gratitude real!  Gratitude without good works is a sham.  So what does it mean to live a life based on grace?  Not an easy question to answer clearly!  Grace means we must relate to others out of a sense of privilege rather than a sense of duty.  Altruism prompted by duty often collects applause in one's mind for putting up with the inconsiderate.  The mind must be emptied of this self-applause to live a grace-filled life. 

Most people are familar with the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10).  Most stress the fact that the Jewish crime victim was helped by that hated Samaritan, whereas the Jewish religious leaders sensed the danger and passed by.  What gets overlooked is that the Samaritan then takes the victim to an inn, pays for his extended convalescence, and then leaves, promising on his reutrn to pay whatever extra costs the victim incurs.  The Samaritan is unconcerned about the fact that the victim will probably not be available to applaud his kindness. 

Too many have understood Jesus' atoning death as a way of satisfying God's wrath.  They have missed the key point.  In Jesus' death, God takes responsibility for creating us with all our frailties (e.g Romans 11:32).  All we have to do is to admit our limitations and act on the assumption that God accepts us just the way we are.  We overlook the faults of others because God overlooks our faults.  We create the standards by which God judges us: "Whatever measure you use in judging others, it will be used to measure how you are judged (Matthew 7:2)."  Yet people sometimes need correction.  The line between judgmentalism and loving correction can often be elusive.

Only a few Christian hymns have an appeal that transcends religious lines.  Such hymns were generally forged in the crucible of suffering and lessons hard-learned.  One such hymn is "Amazing Grace".  the hymn sung at the first World Trade Center memorial service. 

Its author, John Newton was a very cruel slave trader in the 18th century.   He was a hard-drinking, vulgar, and brutal ship captain.   Then one day he was bored at sea and read Thomas a Kempis's book, "The Imitation of Christ."  His heart was absolutely melted by his intense experience of grace.  I think the simple words of his hymn are so beloved because people sense the powerful transformation that inspired them.  Newton worked with William Wilberforce to abolish slavery in Britain in the century preceding  the American civil war.  Newton's experience of grace in releasing him from guilt energized him with a sense of privilege to devote his life to abolishing slavery.  Hollywood should do a first-rate movie on Newton's life. 

Some of this site's most important discussions have focused on the meaning of Pure Unconditinal Love (PUL).  PUL cannot be grasped until we grapple with all the ways our love can be "impure" and "conditional", i. e. come with strings attached.  Even then, PUL must be experienced to be understood.  Still, in my view, the most important insight about PUL is to see it as  the fruit of a grace-based life. 

Don
Back to top
 
 
IP Logged
 
LaffingRain
Super Member
*****
Offline


Choose this Day

Posts: 5249
Arizona
Gender: female
Re: What is Grace? a question I had
Reply #4 - Sep 16th, 2005 at 4:20pm
 
Hollywood should do a first-rate movie on Newton's life.  
____

couldn't agree more!
_____

I know you are thinking I'm nuts, but I don't care as being nuts has kept me from going insane Cheesy
but this morning I was thinking about you Don. I saw you as a one-legged pirate on a ship...I saw your crew mutiny...and now you come here to post and u mention that Newton was like a pirate, dealing in slave trade...I could have been picking up something about this Newton fellow in relationship to your thoughts. interesting...

well, hello then! may we all experience grace and PUL in the days ahead. alysia
Back to top
 

... Who takes away death's sting deprives life of bitterness
WWW http://www.facebook.com/LaughingRain2  
IP Logged
 
Berserk
Super Member
*****
Offline


Afterlife Knowledge Member

Posts: 979
Gender: male
Re: What is Grace? a question I had
Reply #5 - Sep 16th, 2005 at 4:51pm
 
Alysia,

I wish I was as "swashbuckling" as a pirate! ;D
Here's another resonance for you.  You saw the pirate as one-legged.  I've been obsessed the past two weeks with a young lady (age 19) who almost lost her leg when a big power mower ran over it.  She lost her big toe and her heel was severed from her foot.  I've been worried that Carissa might not regain the full use of that leg.   She's a sweetheart, but she always interrupts me as "Saucy Sprite" in IMs, while I'm in a timed online chess game in which I really do have ego-involvement.   ::)
Maybe your fantasy illustrates that even when we can't achieve astral verification, we are sometmes still getting a poetic picture that is symbolically  related to the truth.

Don
Back to top
 
 
IP Logged
 
LaffingRain
Super Member
*****
Offline


Choose this Day

Posts: 5249
Arizona
Gender: female
Re: What is Grace? a question I had
Reply #6 - Sep 16th, 2005 at 7:58pm
 
perhaps then we shall just say verification is found in the heart, a place unspeakable with words. I hope Carrisa can get her heel restored, I think they can do that, and the rest of the leg as well if the bones are intact. you will always be a pirate to me just until you are not. love, alysia
Back to top
 

... Who takes away death's sting deprives life of bitterness
WWW http://www.facebook.com/LaughingRain2  
IP Logged
 
LaffingRain
Super Member
*****
Offline


Choose this Day

Posts: 5249
Arizona
Gender: female
Re: What is Grace? a question I had
Reply #7 - Sep 18th, 2005 at 12:00pm
 
Kathy's post on another thread seemed relevant here so posting it. Kat, you and Ephrium (spelling)? deeply resonate with me and DP.
_____

I'm certainly not an expert on the teachings of ES or Luther, however, I did grow up as a Missouri Synod Lutheran and was taught that we are saved by faith alone in Jesus Christ as Savior.  This faith comes to us not by something we do (good works), but is something received within us by God and is not of our own doing, but has been given within us.  Having received this gift of faith through the Holy Spirit would align us with the Spirit of God which would produce grace/gratitude within which in turn produces good works or the fruits of the Spirit.  In other words, that good works comes from the Spirit of God... not the spirit of man's ego.
_____

since reading ACIM I started to become grateful for my life, even though it looked like poop. the gratitude seemed to build though until I became strong in this thing called faith. as I was faithful, not to my ego, which lied to me, I was faithful to the principle, that the ego was but a computer of belief systems and running my entire show. Embarrassed 
there is truly nothing in this world I want. I want to go home only, yet still, I am grateful for my life, I love my life now; I'm going to be a grandmother one day, so I'll stick around for awhile...but faith...it comes to the open heart....the ego has absolutely nothing to say about PUL, because the ego cannot conceive of it. tally ho mates...
Back to top
 

... Who takes away death's sting deprives life of bitterness
WWW http://www.facebook.com/LaughingRain2  
IP Logged
 
Lights of Love
Super Member
*****
Offline


Afterlife Knowledge Member

Posts: 881
Re: What is Grace? a question I had
Reply #8 - Sep 18th, 2005 at 1:46pm
 
Yes Alysia, I equate faith as what is given within each of us... Universal Creative Force (God) and this Source of faith always leads us to our Source through the creative process.

Love, Kathy
Back to top
 

Tread softly through life with a tender heart and a gentle, understanding spirit.
 
IP Logged
 
Berserk
Super Member
*****
Offline


Afterlife Knowledge Member

Posts: 979
Gender: male
Re: What is Grace? a question I had
Reply #9 - Sep 18th, 2005 at 3:37pm
 
What often gets overlooked in this type of discussion is the untranslatability of the most important concepts.  For example, in both Hebrew and Greek the word translated "faith" really means "faithfulness."  This insight does two things: (1) it eliminates the faith vs. works dichotomy.  To be faithful, I must live a grace-based life of love.
(2) It separates faith from stubborn mental assent that undermines the courage of honest doubt.  In other words, I can have powerful faith and be plagued by all sorts of misgivings that are merely the growing edge of my search for a more empowering grasp of truth.

I recall an outrageous claim made the pastor of a large Baptist church in Winnipeg.  During an altar call he thundered: "As long as you are born again when you walk down this aisle and commit your life to Christ, you can curse God to His face and you won't lose your salvation!"  What most confuses the "faith alone" crowd is the question of whether good works are even necessary.  If good works can't "merit" salvation, then why are they so vital after all?  The biblical answer is simple: good works are essential to demonstrating the reality of one's gratitude for God's forgiveness.

Think for a moment about the mechanics of the afterlife territories, specifically the principle that like attracts like.  A community of grace-based believers would relate to each other out of a loving sense of privilege rather than ego-driven agendas or even a sense of duty.  Even duty can add density to the vibration of a heavenly plane: duty often connotes a sense of burden or the discharging of responsibilities despite some reluctance.  Maximum harmony is achieved when altruism is performed out of a sense of privilege in response to gratitude.
If I really deem it privilege to serve you, then I'm neither secretly collecting merit points in my mind or otherwise reinforcing my spiritual self-image.  Experimental psychology has repeatedly demonstrated that the unwitting reinforcement of one's spiritual self-image is a major barrier to the promotion of loving behavior.  Most needy people can sense when the guy helping them is a spiritual gunslinger trying to make a new notch of his spiritual pistol.

Don
Back to top
 
 
IP Logged
 
LaffingRain
Super Member
*****
Offline


Choose this Day

Posts: 5249
Arizona
Gender: female
Re: What is Grace? a question I had
Reply #10 - Sep 18th, 2005 at 3:49pm
 
I pray we all live within that privileged state of unmerited favor. it takes my breath away. shalom Don. always and ever.
Back to top
 

... Who takes away death's sting deprives life of bitterness
WWW http://www.facebook.com/LaughingRain2  
IP Logged
 
jkeyes
Senior Member
****
Offline


Afterlife Knowledge Member

Posts: 368
Tucson,Az
Gender: female
Re: What is Grace? a question I had
Reply #11 - Sep 18th, 2005 at 3:51pm
 
Kathy, Don, and Alysia,

What is Grace? It's this thread-love in action.  I do love happy endings.

Love and peace, Jean

And the dance goes on. Sweet ones.
Back to top
 
 
IP Logged
 
Ricardo
Junior Member
**
Offline


Spiritualist, Astral Traveler

Posts: 52
Chattanooga, Tn
Gender: male
Re: What is Grace? a question I had
Reply #12 - Sep 18th, 2005 at 4:29pm
 
Exactly why I never want to argue about faith based religions or formal religion....Works alone?

Would rather work on PUL....some thing that is real and benefical to all of us.

Love all, Ricardo  Grin
Back to top
 

When you unite with me you are uniting without the ego, because I have renounced the ego in myself and therefore cannot unite with yours. Our union is therefore the way to renounce the ego in you.&&&&THE DISAPPEARANCE OF THE UNIVERSE
WWW  
IP Logged
 
LaffingRain
Super Member
*****
Offline


Choose this Day

Posts: 5249
Arizona
Gender: female
Re: What is Grace? a question I had
Reply #13 - Sep 18th, 2005 at 7:55pm
 
DP says if you get him started Ricardo he could go on for days...he was rather obsessive in his day Grin much love to you, alysia
Back to top
 

... Who takes away death's sting deprives life of bitterness
WWW http://www.facebook.com/LaughingRain2  
IP Logged
 
hiorta
Full Member
***
Offline


Afterlife Knowledge Member

Posts: 102
Scotland
Gender: male
What is Grace?
Reply #14 - Sep 19th, 2005 at 4:13am
 
Grace? A term for Spiritual wellbeing - in tune with the Source.
Back to top
 
 
IP Logged
 
Lights of Love
Super Member
*****
Offline


Afterlife Knowledge Member

Posts: 881
Re: What is Grace? a question I had
Reply #15 - Sep 19th, 2005 at 5:06am
 
Faithfulness... yes Don this makes so much more sense to me.  Once again you have provided greater a insight to scripture for me.  Thank you.

Love, Kathy Smiley
Back to top
 

Tread softly through life with a tender heart and a gentle, understanding spirit.
 
IP Logged
 
Touching Souls
Super Member
*****
Offline


LOVE IS ALL, SHINE YOUR
LIGHT THAT OTHERS MAY
SEE

Posts: 1966
Metaline Falls, WA
Gender: female
Re: What is Grace? a question I had
Reply #16 - Sep 23rd, 2005 at 11:06am
 
Someone on an email list I belong to posted this that he got during a meditation:

GRACE HAPPENS


Grace is the Divine moving within you, through you, and around you.

Grace happens when you listen to your inner wisdom. And even when you don’t.
Grace happens when you are kind to yourself. And even when you aren’t.
Grace happens when you stop struggling, straining and worrying. And even
when you can’t.
Grace happens when you open your heart to others. And even when you won’t.
Grace happens when you trust. And even when you don’t.
Grace happens when you are happy and joyous. And even when you aren’t.
Grace happens when you notice the beauty of life around you. And even when
you don’t.
Grace happens when you are overwhelmed. And even when you aren’t.
Grace happens when you help others, no matter how inadequate you feel while
doing so. And it even happens when you don’t.
Grace happens when you let it. And even when you won’t.

Grace is constant. Even when you aren’t.
Back to top
 

I AM THAT I AM -- WE ARE ALL ONE -- TOUCHING SOULS
Wink
WWW minniecricket2000  
IP Logged
 
LaffingRain
Super Member
*****
Offline


Choose this Day

Posts: 5249
Arizona
Gender: female
Re: What is Grace? a question I had
Reply #17 - Sep 23rd, 2005 at 3:55pm
 
wow Mairlyn, I like that...thats what happened when I looked at the life review, or biographic memory, a new term I learned today. I saw the grace running through it, always catching me. thanks, these are some great thoughts during this time of history. love, alysia
Back to top
 

... Who takes away death's sting deprives life of bitterness
WWW http://www.facebook.com/LaughingRain2  
IP Logged
 
Pages: 1 
Send Topic Print


This is a Peer Moderated Forum. You can report Posting Guideline violations.