Death & Dying

VISUALIZATION: A JOURNEY INTO LIGHT

This is a beautiful expressive love filled moment of existence. It is a moment of supreme joy and supreme bliss for at this very moment of your existence, you have joined with, are one with, are unified with the very essence, the very center, the very core of all created entities, of all created and manifested life energy. You are at the very heart of the creative essence of the universe.

Feel what is being said for in your wildest dreams in the physical and mental realm you could never perceive or ever begin to reach the depths of consciousness and the infinite extent of awareness that you rest in at this very moment.

It is not necessary to analyze or to think about what is being offered for that will be to no avail. It is beyond thought, beyond belief, beyond even feeling. It is the state of simply knowing.

Let's go on a short journey which will bring you consciously into and aligned with this place where you indeed already are. It will be like crossing over a bridge and going through a gateway where the expanse of the infinite realm of consciousness can be known. For a moment, simply visualize yourself sitting on a small hill. You are overlooking a meadow, the wind is gently blowing, the sun is warm but not too hot. There is grass gently swaying in the breeze surrounding where you are sitting. There are occasional wild flowers that poke their pretty little heads through the grass covered slope. You feel at peace, you feel at home, you feel rested, you feel very loved.

You see a small trail that meanders down the gentle slope through the grass and out into this meadow. You decide to follow this trail. Feel yourself walking through the grass following the trail into the meadow. It is a most beautiful feeling for the wind is gently blowing, the sun is warm on your back, the beauty is indescribable in this meadow with the wild flowers. You even hear the song being broadcast by various birds of the meadow. You pause for a moment and simply feel the essence of where you are as you look around and view the beauty of this meadow.

You proceed down the path and as you approach the center of the meadow, you find a wooden gate across the pathway. The wooden gate is slightly ajar. There are two posts, one on either side. The gate comes up to about your waist and you know that the gate is beckoning you to walk through. You approach the gate. It is a beautiful ornate entry gate with carvings of various figures and graceful swirls. You gently touch the gate. It swings open effortlessly as though to say, welcome, come, continue on your journey.

You walk through the gate and as you do, you see the surrounding area transformed into a large expanse, a seemingly limited expanse of a body of water. It is like a lake but larger. It seems to extend forever in all directions to the very limits of your perception. You find yourself beginning to move and to walk across this lake. It is as though you are partially suspended and you are able to glide like an ice skater across the surface of this water, although you know there is no ice for it is still warm and very comfortable and beautiful.

You find yourself following what appears to be like a trail across the surface of this water. You feel full of a buoyant energy that is like a release of energy from deep within that simply extends and elevates you into the far reaches of your environment.

You move out into what appears to be the center of this vast body of water and you find yourself wanting to sit down, to simply absorb and to reflect on the beauty, serenity, calmness, the peace that is so evident and so complete. You sit down and cross your legs and simply absorb this beautiful, peaceful environment.

You find yourself slowly looking around at what appears to be a distant horizon. As you look at this distant horizon, a glow of light begins to appear as though there is light just beyond the horizon. It is as though you are surrounded by light. You feel this light rising from the horizon and forming a canopy over the entire area you are observing. It is as though a sphere is forming, a sphere of light, that totally surrounds and totally absorbs and totally penetrates all points of your awareness. You look down and notice that the water has disappeared and you are indeed suspended in the center of a huge infinite sphere of light. You find your entire being absorbed in this light. You find that you let go of all identity of self, all identity of separateness, all limiting perceptions. You are simply absorbed into and one with this sphere of light.

You become the light. The light is you, and you feel Oneness with this light. You are part of and one with all that exists. You remain totally unified with this light for it is you. There appears to be other spheres of light as you are suspended in the midst of this infinite universe. These other spheres of light are all of the same beauty and radiance and magnificence. You find that you as a sphere of light are attracted to and begin joining with and merging with these other spheres of light, and there is a feeling of extreme joy, extreme bliss, a feeling of absolute harmony.

As these spheres of light join together, there is even a larger sphere of light that is manifested. It is as though there is a presence of the creative essence of the universe. All spheres of light have joined as one and it is realized that all is One and that all light exists and radiates from the very center of creation. You simply rest in this knowing. You simply exist as part of, one with this sphere of light, the Light of Creation.

I AM. I AM Love. I AM Light. I AM Life. I AM.

Soul's Journey
---by Rob WiEK

Death is only an illusion,
Compounded by memories loss;
Which causes all this confusion,
As the birth canal we cross!

We came here with a purpose,
Which are lessons we need learn;
Why do most never discuss,
That which we came here to earn?

Soul has only one desire,
To become again one with God;
This is why we feel the Fire,
When this path again we trod!

The map of our journey is love,
Which returns us to God above!

"Waves change; the ocean continues.
Every death opens a new door -
so change your sadness to celebration"
---Sri Rajneesh later known as Osho (an old vinyl record)

MOTHER

You always used to watch us
Anxious if we we're late
In the winter by the window
In the summer by the gate
And though we mocked you tenderly
Who took so loving care
The long road home would seem more safe
Because she waited there
Her thoughts were all for us
She never could forget
And so I think that where she is
She must be waiting yet
Waiting till we come to her
Anxious if we're late
Watching from heavens window
Leaning on heavens gate

The Truth is ...

And what is death that i cause such fear in men? Death is the end of your existence in the flesh. Death is the end of all your illusions. Death is the end of all complacence. And death is the end of irrelevance. For death is the final conclusion. Death is the ultimate consequence.

You are reduced at death to your very essence. All outward appearances fade away. All distractions terminate. Every pretense dissipates as you meet the truth of your ultimate fate. There is no escape; you cannot hide. The ultimate issue cannot be denied. For once you die, it's time to decide how you will now forever abide.

Your inner thoughts will be exposed. Your spirit will be laid bare. What you are in truth will be made known. And you will live with it forever. The end will be what you truly expect when you come to the final judgment. For the ultimate conclusion of your life will stem from the very basis of your spirit.

The first thing that happens after death is that you discover that you still exist - that you exist apart from the flesh. For you have an out of body experience. Then, since death itself is not the end, you begin to wonder what will happen next. But there isno help from the outside world of those who live. Your answers must come from your soul within. You must search your heart, your mind, and your spirit. For you areleft alone with your thoughts instead.

But you want to know the meaning of this. And you want to know what you should do next. So you search the dar recesses of your consciousness to try to understand the final consequence. And as you first encounter your ignorance, it's like traveling through utter darkeness.

---Author Unkonwn

"Inside The Heart

Deep down, where stars begin to fade away,
There is something of love
opening up forever into being.
There cannot be a dark hole collapsing perpetually
through the confines of gravity
unless it opens to light.
Death is matter disintegrating Home."
---Elizabeth Gips wrote that in 1992, Another book of Now

THE INTERLUDE

My brief encounter on the earth
Was bitter sweet - I had to search
I could not bear the grief and pain
I knew I'd give but not in vain

The sacrifice I had to make
To help the soul her path to take
The wreched pain the silent grief
So many souls through her would speak

I made my journey to the earth
All alone she gave me birth
I clung in love against her breast
In sweet serenity to rest

Her mother love engulfed the air
She washed and tended me with care
No greater love could ever be given
To a tiny soul sent from heaven.

She proudly put me on display
My gran would laugh - then walk away
You'll spoil that child she would often scold
Mum reply was a tighter hold.

Her love emitted from her soul
The mother love you can't control
I knew the pain she'd have to bear
When I was taken from her care

She sang me lullabies at night
I clung to her with all my might
I knew the interlude was brief
Forgive me mum - I kiss your feet

For many months she walked alone
With heavy eyes and heart of stone
Her anguished soul cried out in pain
My sweet child come back again

Her cries were heard her sorrows shared
The people here did really care
But they all knew that one day soon
The gift she had would fully bloom

I met her in her dreams at night
To show her that I was alright
I crept beside her, watched her sleep
Her lovely face made me weep.

Dear mother I'm so proud of you
All the loving things you do
So many souls you comfort bring
The heavenly choirs for you do sing

So please may I be forgiven
For leaving you to go to heaven
The fathers work we have to do
And some are the specially chosen few

When you earthly job is done
You're more than welcome to my home
You'll have the time to stand and stare
And understand just what we shared.

Until that day dear friend, dear mother
I watch and guard you like no other
Your earthly life will always be
A path of loving serenity.

Before I go I feel so sad
For I have not included dad
The part he plays and love he shares
Is not forgotten over there.

My mother you will always be
A true companion to me
The love you gave in my interlude
Is being repaid back to you

And now the story has been told
Go in peace till you are old
You have helped the kingdom come
And I am proud to be your Son

"THE LIFE BEYOND"
---Rev. 14:13
A Christ centered ceremony:

Introduction

A. The Bible teaches that life does not end at the grave.
- The eternal spirit & image of God within us cannot be destroyed by the death of the body.
- John must have had this truth in mind when he wrote:(Rev. 14:13) "I heard a voice from heaven say, "Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Yes," says the Spirit, "they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them."

B. Obviously, this is a view of death from the other side.
- Viewed from our vantage point, death appears to be dreadful, defeating, & devastating.
- But from God's vantage point, it is altogether different.
- He calls the dead, "blessed".
- That word literally means "happy", "to be congratulated", "fortunate".
- Far from being pitied, God tells us that those who die w/faith in the Lord are to be envied.
- Why is this? Because from now on, they rest from their labors & their deeds follow them.

C. John Milton saw this when he described death as, "the golden key that opens the palace of eternity."
- He saw it as the doorway into the marvelous life beyond.
- Because it is an entrance into eternal life, it becomes a blessed & fortunate experience for God's people.
- Death then, for God's people, such as Mrs. __________, is the doorway to rest, to rewards, & to the resurrection.
Transition: 1st, we see that death is:

1. THE DOORWAY TO REST

A. John says that death is the doorway to rest from our labors.
- The word "labor" describes a wearing out from work, a wearisome toil.
- It suggests to us that life is often hard.
- It can be full of difficulties, disappointments, & disease.
In the play Death of a Salesman, by Arthur Miller, Uncle Ben says to Willie Loman: "Life is a jungle, Willy, be hard. Some go into the jungle & find diamonds. Others get caught by tigers. Life is a jungle, Willy. Be hard."
- We all encounter those moments when life is like a jungle--full of terrors, struggles, sickness, & pain.
- And it is easy to grow weary of the struggle & long for rest & relief.

B. Death is the doorway into that rest for God's people.
- We need to thank God for death.
- There are times when a sick man needs to die like a tired man needs to sleep.
- There comes a time when we need to lay down our burden & to be at rest.

C. The word "rest" that appears here is a beautiful word.
- It means to be at ease, to be refreshed.
- It suggests an end to the toils & tribulations of life.
- This is what Jesus promised to us when He said, (Matt.11:28-30) "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. {29} Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. {30} For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
- In this world of trouble, we can know rest.

D. But there is a greater & more complete rest for us when we go to be w/the Lord.
- It is the rest of heaven & the presence of God.
- And those, such as Mrs. __________, who have laid their burden down & entered into it are to be congratulated--they are truly fortunate.
Transition: Death is not only the doorway to rest but also the:

2. DOORWAY TO REWARD
- Johns says here in Rev. 14, "their deeds will follow them."

A. We are all making a record on earth.
- We carry the record of our life w/us into eternity.
- By the lives that we live, by the words that we say, & the deeds that we do, we are laying up for ourselves treasures in heaven.
- Jesus said if we give a cup of cold water to a little child because we are His disciple, we will in no way lose our reward (Matt. 10:42).

B. The Bible tells us that God will not forget our works & labor of love which we have done in His name as we minister to others (Heb. 6:10).
- All of these things are a part of our permanent record that we shall carry into eternity.

C. At the death of his mother, John J. McAller said, "I found a friend's thought apt & consoling: 'You can't weep for people who have left more in life than they have taken out.'"

D. We all leave something in this life.
- Our influence or our testimony, good or bad, remains long after we are gone.
- But while we leave something behind, we also take our record w/us.
- Our works follow us.
- They accompany us to the very judgment of God.

E. Don't misunderstand the judgment.
- The purpose of the judgment is not to determine our destiny.
- We determine that here & now by our relationship to Jesus Christ.
- It is only as we believe & trust in Him that we will have eternal life & dwell in heaven w/Him.
- Mrs. __________chose to follow Jesus while still in this life & because of that decision she now resides w/Him forever.
- The purpose of the judgment is not to determine our destiny but to determine our reward in that destiny.
- We are saved by grace, but we will be rewarded by our works.
- If we have lived faithfully & served our Lord lovingly like Mrs. __________, then death becomes the doorway to our reward.
- And those who have gone to a good reward are fortunate.
- They are to be congratulated.
Transition: Death is not only a doorway to rest & reward but also a:

3. DOORWAY TO RESURRECTION

A. While the resurrection is not mentioned in this verse, it is affirmed in (1 Cor. 15:20-22) "Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. {21} For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. {22} For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive".

B. The Bible teaches more than the immortality or the survival of the spirit of man.
- It also teaches the resurrection of the body.
- Those who die in Christ go immediately to be w/the Lord.
- And when Christ returns the body that has died will come to life again.
- It will be a new & glorious resurrection body & will be like the resurrected body of Christ.
- As His body was recognizable, so our friend & loved one will be recognizable also
- As His body transcended the limitations of time & space, so our body will not be subject to the limitations of this life.
- As His body was not longer subject to disease & decay, so our body will be an immortal body.
- It will live forever.

C. Jesus shared this w/Martha in her hour of sorrow.
- John 11:25 "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;
- And again He declared in (John 14:19) Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.

D. This is death from God's point of view.
- But I remind you that this resurrected life does not belong to all people.
- It is only a promise to people, like Mrs. __________, who die in the Lord.
- It is only as we commit ourselves to Jesus Christ & follow Him as Lord & Savior that death can be a blessed experience for us.

E. When we have Christ as our Savior, death becomes a blessed experience.
- It becomes the doorway to rest, reward, & resurrection.
- It becomes the entrance into eternal life.
- An unknown poet expressed this truth so beautifully when he wrote:

The stars shine on the earth,
And the stars shine on the sea
The stars shine on the face of God,
And the stars shine down on me.
The stars shall shine for a thousand years,
For a thousand years and a day,
But my Christ and I shall still live,
When the stars have faded away.

Prayer:

- Dear Heavenly Father,
- You are the One who breaks our bondage to sin & death.
- You are the One who provides us our eternal home--the house of many mansions.
- You are the One who gives us the peace that is everlasting, beyond death, & that this world can neither give nor take away.
- You are the One who turns our sorrow into celebration, our sadness into joy, our loss into confidence.
- And we thank You, & give You the praise, the honor, & the glory.
- Thanks be to You, God our Father, for giving us the victory, the life that is abundant & eternal: through Jesus Christ, our crucified, risen, & living Lord--now & forever.
- Amen.

In every rain ---(contributed by RSFlow)

In every rain there is a rainbow
In every broken heart, a dream
In every end a new beginning
In every darkness, light unseen
Though joy may lead the way to sorrow
And every precious rose must fade
We're strong enough to face tomorrow
There's love enough to share today
When there's no answer to the question
When all that's left is memories
Into the empty space within us
Arise now, peace and grace, set free
In every rain there is a rainbow
In every shattered heart, a dream
In every death, a new beginning
In deepest darkness, light unseen
In deepest darkness, light unseen.

---Music & Lyrics ©1994 by Leslie McKay and Neil Wolf,
Seven Lakes Music (BMI), Recording ©1997 by Leslie McKay.
All rights reserved.

You are my shepherd,
I will never be in need.
You let me rest in fields
of green grass.
You lead me to streams
of peaceful water,
And you refresh my life.

You are true to your names,
and you lead me
Along the right paths.
I may walk through valleys
as dark as death,
But I won't be afraid.
You are with me,
and your shepherd's rod
Makes me feel safe.

You treat me to a feast,
while my enemies watch.
You honor me as your guest,
and you fill my cup
Until it overflows.
Your kindness and love
will always be with me
Each day of my life,
and I will live forever
In your house.
---Psalm 23

Her Flame has been extinguished, but not Her Light.
Her Fire has been extinguished, but not Her Warmth.
We carry Her Example in our hearts until
We see Her again.

In Loving Memory of Kristen Magiera

A million times we've needed you; a million times we've cried. If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died. In life we loved you dearly; in death we love you still. In our hearts you hold a place no one can ever fill. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone. A part of us went with you the day God called you home. You wished no one a last farewell. You never said goodbye. You were gone before we knew it, and only God knows why. Your precious memory is our keepsake with which we'll never part. God has you safely in His keeping, but we have you forever in our hearts. Rev. Tresa
Reverend Tresa Rose Stitley, D.D.
Ordained Minister of the Universal Life Church
West Jordan, Utah

(also available in southeast Michigan)

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