Dearest Friends,
Along with the continuing rain and snow and winds of the season, we see also the rise of new growth and blossoms in the fields, the mountains,
and in our gardens. Spring is beautiful and it refreshes our spirits,
making even rainy days seem like a blessing.
More than mere seasonal rains, however, in these present times are
stormy circumstances buffeting and upsetting the lives of many people in the world, including perhaps our own lives and the lives of
those dear to our hearts. But even as the sun, though unseen beyond
lowering clouds, yet shines its light upon the world, God’s arms in
these darkening days are ever reaching out to us in love. As we reach
out to him, he will awaken us, like the warm sun coaxing buds into
blossom. He will show us how to use what comes into our lives for our
good, to strengthen us where we need to be strong and to bring us new
growth, enhancing us and fortifying us for what’s ahead.
Trials will
either beat us down or build us up. We must never cease to lift our
eyes to the source of all love and truth and help, our Father in Heaven
and his son Jesus whose life we celebrate on Easter. Jesus overcame the
world by looking to the Father, by seeking and fulfilling the Father's
will. In the midst of trials, his example shows us the perfect way forward.
I share here some paragraphs from my newsletters you may not have had the opportunity to read. They continue to apply to our ongoing
challenges today.
“Yes, trials and difficulties will come, but this is not a time to live
in fear. Rather, this is a time to rejoice in the changes that must take
place. As a nation, we have become dysfunctional. Our families are at
risk. We are fat from all manner of things that insult what is pure to
God, the Creator of all things. Cause and effect is a universal law that
seeks balance and finds it. But to fear these times is to live in doubt
of God’s love and mercy for us. Although the calamities will be
justified, even needed, we must never deny the power of God’s grace to
bless and protect us.” (Spring, 1999)
“We can live in hope and serenity when we know that God guides our way.
Though disaster and loss fall upon us, we know God is in control, and
that all tragedy great or small can create pivotal points in our lives.
As we live through anguish and conquer our fears, they springboard us to
higher spiritual growth—growth that cannot be obtained in any other
way.” (Spring, 2002)
“Our declining economy...is leaving many without jobs, and often without homes. Because of these
challenges and disappointments people are becoming depressed, even
physically ill. Unresolved issues in the country and fear for their
futures are immobilizing their spirits and drawing them deeper into
despair…. We can and will live through this…and much more…and receive
richer blessings as we lean on our Heavenly Father for his guidance.
Truth is being brought for us to face, and we can face it together.”
(Summer, 2002)
I pray that each of us will lift our eyes and hearts to God and trust
him to lift us, if not out of our troubles, then out of our weaknesses
and our fears. I pray for God to show us what to learn, how to live and grow, how to love and serve
others in these uniquely challenging times. That we may look not to the world’s ways
for rescue or protection, but to blossom in truth and wisdom as we lean
only upon God. He loves us perfectly, and his grace is sufficient. Come
what may, our souls are safe when placed willingly and thankfully into his hands.
My love to you always,
Betty
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Vashon is a true island, nestled in the "Heart of the Sound" near Seattle, with views of water and mountains on every side. It can only be reached by a breathtaking ferry ride from West Seattle. There is something magical about being on an island in natural settings where we can learn and share ideas of the most effective ways to become better prepared should we need to live more simply or in an encampment-like setting in the future. Space is limited, WAVES, so dare to do! And be ready for reservation information coming soon. 
Knowledge + Experience = Wisdom. All experience is for our good, and sometimes it takes what we would consider negative experience to help develop our spirits. We were very willing, even anxious, as spirits to accept all of our ailments, illnesses, and accidents here to help better ourselves spiritually. I understood that in the spirit world our earth time is meaningless. The pain we experience on earth is for just a moment, just a split second of consciousness in the spirit world, and we are very willing to endure it. Embraced By The Light, p. 67 
