2005 vol 4, december

16
solutions, for answers, but when I have looked outside I have found only partial answers and solutions, which only lead to still more concerns and questions. And yet there is an end to these big questions of life; there is an answer to them; there is a way. The thing is, it is not found in the outer physical world at all. It is found inside, in the inner kingdom, in the inner way. The inner way, the inner path, the inner truth, the inner kingdom: these are things we hear about from time to time, especially if we go to religious services, read philosophical or spiritual books, or work with self-help materials. Then the next question is, “How do I learn to walk this inner pathway?” That was my question when I was growing up, and I think at some level that is always the deeper question that is ever being asked inside each of us, even if not on a conscious level. And so many of us go on a great quest. Like the knights of old looking for the Holy Grail, we go walking the planet, walking the outer physical world, looking for the ‘gold’, looking for the solution, looking for the answer, looking for the love, looking for the way. Where do we find the Truth? This is the real challenge in this life. The one thing I have found over the years is that the answer to the questions, the solution to the problems, the way to get peace, joy, loving, acceptance, forgiveness, and so much more — is found inside. I have also learned that very few people, and I mean very few, know of, understand, or can truly share about this inner way to loving. There seem to be so many people who are sharing about getting the answer to all life’s problems, and yet when we listen to them and follow their instructions, we may not get the fulfillment we are wanting and that they say we are going to find. So what should we do? I have found a way that does work and that does give a full answer, and that does give access to the inner kingdom that religious teachers and philosophers have shared about. It has been called The Way, or The Tao, VOLUME 16 NUMBER 4 DECEMBER, 2005 by Jim Gordon, President of ILM NEWSLETTER M M INISTRIES I I NNER L L IGHT I I NNER L L IGHT M M INISTRIES NEWSLETTER T HE NSWER T O L IFE S QUESTIONS A he spiritual journey is like any journey. A journey has a beginning point, an initial destination or goal, and a final completion point. Unlike a journey that we might start in the physical, however, a spiritual journey’s starting point — where the wordly ends and the spiritual begins — may not be very well defined in our awareness. I share this because over the last few years I have been sharing much more about the inner focus, the inner journey, and about inner awakening. And yet much of my sharing has also been about the outer journey of life as well. How do the two interact? And where do they ultimately diverge? The outer journey is much about the physical body, the physical experience; and so the focus is on the external. We learn how to walk in the physical, talk in the physical, and so much more. We live in a physical body and in a physical universe, so it makes sense that our experience, our process, our responsibilities, and our questions are in the physical. “What will I be when I grow up; who will I be; how will I make my living; do I change jobs; do I get more education; do I change my relationship; why are things not working the way I want them to; who do they think they are, telling me how to live my life?” And so these are some of the topics of concern in people’s lives that I have dealt with over the years. And yet, many people eventually realize, “There seems to be something missing. Why do I feel empty, why do I not feel complete? If I can just find out what is missing and get that, then I will be complete.” What that missing something is can be unclear, but it has to do with things such as: “How do I love myself even when others do not seem to love me; why can’t I forgive others and myself; why do I hurt inside; why can I not have joy in my life; when will things change; why can I not change?” The questions seem endless and complicated. We are taught by the world to look ‘outside’ for T (ANSWER continues on page 10)

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Page 1: 2005 Vol 4, December

solutions, for answers, but when I have looked outsideI have found only partial answers and solutions, whichonly lead to still more concerns and questions. Andyet there is an end to these big questions of life; there isan answer to them; there is a way. The thing is, it is notfound in the outer physical world at all. It is foundinside, in the inner kingdom, in the inner way.

The inner way, the inner path, the inner truth, the innerkingdom: these are things we hear about from time totime, especially if we go to religious services, readphilosophical or spiritual books, or work with self-helpmaterials. Then the next question is, “How do I learnto walk this inner pathway?” That was my questionwhen I was growing up, and I think at some level thatis always the deeper question that is ever being askedinside each of us, even if not on a conscious level.

And so many of us go on a great quest. Like theknights of old looking for the Holy Grail, we gowalking the planet, walking the outer physical world,looking for the ‘gold’, looking for the solution,looking for the answer, looking for the love, lookingfor the way. Where do we find the Truth? This isthe real challenge in this life.

The one thing I have found over the years is that theanswer to the questions, the solution to the problems,the way to get peace, joy, loving, acceptance,forgiveness, and so much more — is found inside. Ihave also learned that very few people, and I meanvery few, know of, understand, or can truly shareabout this inner way to loving. There seem to be somany people who are sharing about getting theanswer to all life’s problems, and yet when we listento them and follow their instructions, we may notget the fulfillment we are wanting and that they saywe are going to find. So what should we do?

I have found a way that does work and that does give afull answer, and that does give access to the innerkingdom that religious teachers and philosophers haveshared about. It has been called The Way, or The Tao,

VOLUME 16 NUMBER 4 DECEMBER, 2005

by Jim Gordon,President of ILM

NEWSLETTER MM INISTRIESII NNER LL IGHTII NNER LL IGHT MM INISTRIES NEWSLETTER

THE NSWERTO LIFE’S QUESTIONS

A

he spiritual journey is like any journey. Ajourney has a beginning point, an initialdestination or goal, and a final completion

point. Unlike a journey that we might startin the physical, however, a spiritual journey’s startingpoint — where the wordly ends and the spiritualbegins — may not be very well defined in ourawareness. I share this because over the last fewyears I have been sharing much more about the innerfocus, the inner journey, and about inner awakening.And yet much of my sharing has also been about theouter journey of life as well. How do the two interact?And where do they ultimately diverge?

The outer journey is much about the physical body, thephysical experience; and so the focus is on theexternal. We learn how to walk in the physical, talkin the physical, and so much more. We live in aphysical body and in a physical universe, so it makessense that our experience, our process, ourresponsibilities, and our questions are in the physical.“What will I be when I grow up; who will I be; howwill I make my living; do I change jobs; do I getmore education; do I change my relationship; whyare things not working the way I want them to; whodo they think they are, telling me how to live mylife?” And so these are some of the topics of concernin people’s lives that I have dealt with over the years.

And yet, many people eventually realize, “There seemsto be something missing. Why do I feel empty, why doI not feel complete? If I can just find out what is missingand get that, then I will be complete.” What that missingsomething is can be unclear, but it has to do with thingssuch as: “How do I love myself even when others donot seem to love me; why can’t I forgive others andmyself; why do I hurt inside; why can I not have joy inmy life; when will things change; why can I notchange?” The questions seem endless and complicated.We are taught by the world to look ‘outside’ for

T

(ANSWER continues on page 10)

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Moses and Aaron, and Shams Tabriz and Rumi aretwo examples in history of this taking place. I knowthat this may cause some confusion with people as towhom they are working with and who their spiritualteacher is ... just remember, the True spiritual teacheris The Holy Spirit, and those that serve the Trueteacher are the spiritual teachers in the world.”

We want you to know that Jim and I are both here toinitiate and support those who are drawn to this pathwayof initiation back Home into The Heart of God throughILM. That is what we are here to do. That is ourpurpose. It is often said on this spiritual path that, “Thesheep recognize the voice of their shepherd.” And so itis with those who recognize the voice of the spiritualteacher that is to initiate them on this wonderfuljourney of spiritual awakening! Now you have twoto choose from, but truly, the two are One! So, itdoesn’t matter to whom one is drawn (if one is drawnto this pathway), whether to Jim or myself, becauseboth will take you to the same place. And truly, weare working together in this action of service, so it’snot Jim or Brian — it’s Jim and Brian. And remember,it really is The Holy Spirit doing the work. Jim andI are just serving that action of God’s Loving.

So, this is the latest in the unfolding of ILM, and wewanted to let you know about it. If this is all new to youand/or you would like to learn more about what I’msharing here, Jim and I go into greater detail on thenewest ILM CD, Keys Of Initiation With Jim And Brian.On this CD is the sharing where we first announced thisnew development, and on it we also explain muchmore about the action of having a spiritual teacher forsomeone who is experiencing the ‘inner calling’ tobegin this spiritual journey. If you would like tolisten to this CD, just give us a call and we’ll send youone, or you can order it right from our website(ILM.org) ... or, you can listen to it right on thewebsite, in the audio section! ILM’s other audiotapes and CD’s (Understanding The Inner Pathway;A Simple Way — The Path of ILM; and The Path OfSound And Light) are also important to listen to if youwant a greater understanding about this spiritualpathway and what it encompasses — the spiritualteacher, initiation, and meditation. Please let usknow how we can assist you on this journey!

by Brian Yeakey,Vice President of ILM

2

EYS OF INITIATION

n March of 2003 I began the next level of myspiritual journey on this Path of Sound and

Light that we teach in ILM. I would now like toshare about this with everyone so that you have anunderstanding of how things are unfolding in ILM. Asmost of you know, the mission of ILM is to assist soulsin their spiritual journey of awakening back into theHeart of God. And the main way we do this is throughinitiation into The Path of Sound and Light, givingindividuals the ‘keys of awakening’ (The Sacred Namesof God) through a very specific meditation practice ...and if you didn’t know this, now you do!

March of 2003 began the unfolding of my steppingforward as one to initiate students into this pathwayof Spirit. Jim Gordon and I have been workingtogether over the past six years as Spirit has guidedus in this inner and outer journey of teaching ThePath of Sound and Light and giving initiation to thosewho have chosen to walk this spiritual journey withInner Light Ministries. Part of Jim’s service has beento assist me in stepping forward into the fullness asone, as a spiritual teacher, who can initiate as well.And now, that has come about. So I am now initiatingmy own disciples upon this Pathway, as well asassisting Jim with his disciples ... and, Jim is workingwith me, and with those whom I initiate. We aredoing this together, in partnership; so there is noseparation ... only Oneness. Truly, it is The HolySpirit that is the authority and does the work, but Godworks through those vessels in this world, thosespiritual teachers, who serve God by giving initiationinto the meditation practice as God has guided them.

I would like to share with you a quote from Jim Gordonin regards to what is unfolding: “Brian has steppedforward as a spiritual teacher who is now calling forwardhis own initiates as well as working with me and withmy initiates. He and I are working as one and workingwith each other’s initiates to bring them home toGod. This is a very unusual event; though it hashappened in the past, this is not usually the case.

K

I

Page 3: 2005 Vol 4, December

3

CALENDAR

(ILM Calendar continues on pages 4 - 9)

EEKLY CLASSES: Jim and Brian’s weekly Austin class is held Tuesdays 7-9 pm,

ILM Center, Franklin Sq. Bldg, 3724 Jefferson, Ste. 100, Austin, Texas No Charge

Each class includes spiritual teaching, practical exercises, group discussion, and meditation.Jim and Brian help participants to become more deeply aware of the Spirit within.

PRESENTED BY JIM GORDON and BRIAN YEAKEY:For additional information, call 512-306-1056.

II NNER LL IGHT MM INISTRIES

CLASSES & PROGRAMS: DEC – APRIL 2006

IGHT COLUMNS in AUSTIN:L

PRESENTED BY BILL STRATTON:For additional information, call Bill at 512-218-1995.

NEW CD Available January 2006: Meditation and Talk

W

ORDERING INFORMATION: This CD is $15.00 plus $3 postage and handling per order (not per item). Checks maybe made payable to INNER LIGHT MINISTRIES and sent to: ILM, P.O. Box 164332, Austin, Texas 78716-4332. Or, inJanuary, you can go to our website, ILM.org to order (see page 11).

This new CD is a three CD set, which was inspiredby the recent ILM retreat, Waking Up In Spirit. Thefirst CD is a short meditation by Brian Yeakey, fol-lowed by his repeating the phrase, “Wake Up, WakeUp,” once every 10 minutes for an hour. The secondCD is intended to be used with your meditation andonly has Jim Gordon saying, “Wake Up, Wake Up”once every 10 minutes for the entire length of theCD. The third CD is the talk, Wake Up, Wake Up,And Don’t Go Back To Sleep, which was given byJim Gordon at this retreat.

“ILM has really become a pathway of meditation.It’s a pathway for those who are seeking to understand more of the inner kingdoms,

the inner regions, the inter-action in connection with God and Soul.It’s also a pathway through initiation — to begin to wake up to the truth

of who we really are as Spirit.”– Jim Gordon

“ILM has really become a pathway of meditation.It’s a pathway for those who are seeking to understand more of the inner kingdoms,

the inner regions, the inter-action in connection with God and Soul.It’s also a pathway through initiation — to begin to wake up to the truth

of who we really are as Spirit.”– Jim Gordon

This ILM event will be a service project to plant Light Col-umns throughout Austin. The first half hour will be a sharing on Light Columns, and then the partici-pants will group together and drive to various points in Austin to experience this wonderful service ofbringing forward greater Light for greater good to the Austin community.

APRIL 9 Sunday, 1-3 pm ILM Center, Austin, Texas No Charge(Rain Date: APRIL 16 — same time, same place)

Page 4: 2005 Vol 4, December

o i n s Fo r K i ds ‘05in Austin

C

Join us for ILM’s Christmas celebration on

SUNDAY, DEC 18th

from 12-5 pm at

203 Buckeye Trail, Austin, Texas.

Everyone is welcome!

It’s a potluck —

so bring a dish to share.

HRISTMAS POTLUCK PARTYC

Our Shopping Day was very successful —we purchased gifts for around 150 children.

And now we’re prepared for

Wrapping DAY, which will be on:

SATURDAY, DEC 10th,

12-5 pm at the ILM Center.

Pizza and other refreshments will be provided.

Please join us.

4

Upcoming Christmas Events:Upcoming Christmas Events:

Page 5: 2005 Vol 4, December

To schedule spiritual interview appointments with Jim or Brianplease call 512-306-1056 and speak with Laura Doggett.

5

NEW ILM SEMINAR in LOS ANGELES:Please contact Victoria Eng at 310-980-2224 for directions.

Each seminar includes: Meditation time, and listening to a tape or CD byILM Ministers Jim Gordon and Brian Yeakey. These seminars will be held

from 6-7:30 pm on the following dates. No charge.

2006: JAN 10 & 24, FEB 7 & 21, MARCH 7 & 21, APRIL 11 & 25,MAY 9 & 23, JUNE 6

ILM presents:

For further information please contact: Nadine Ferraro at 808-988-7509.For further information please contact: Nadine Ferraro at 808-988-7509.

Sunday, January 29, 2006Sunday, January 29, 2006

January 23 - February 3 January 23 - February 3

INITIATIONS and

SPIRITUAL INTERVIEWS

INITIATIONS and

SPIRITUAL INTERVIEWS

Jim and Brian will be availablefor spiritual interviews and for initiations

for those who have been approved.

Jim and Brian will be availablefor spiritual interviews and for initiations

for those who have been approved.

To schedule spiritual interview appointments with Jim or Brianplease call 512-306-1056 and speak with Laura Doggett.

MEDITATION & SEMINARwith JIM GORDON and BRIAN YEAKEY

MEDITATION & SEMINARwith JIM GORDON and BRIAN YEAKEY

WHERE: Ohana East Hotel, Waikiki, HawaiiMeeting Room off of lobby located on the 2nd floor.Meeting Room off of lobby located on the 2nd floor.Meeting Room off of lobby located on the 2nd floor.Meeting Room off of lobby located on the 2nd floor.Meeting Room off of lobby located on the 2nd floor.

Park in the Ohana East garage located at 2375 Kuhio AvenuePark in the Ohana East garage located at 2375 Kuhio AvenuePark in the Ohana East garage located at 2375 Kuhio AvenuePark in the Ohana East garage located at 2375 Kuhio AvenuePark in the Ohana East garage located at 2375 Kuhio Avenue

(all day parking with validation is $3.00)(all day parking with validation is $3.00)(all day parking with validation is $3.00)(all day parking with validation is $3.00)(all day parking with validation is $3.00)

DONATION

TTTTTIMESIMESIMESIMESIMES OFOFOFOFOF E E E E EVENTSVENTSVENTSVENTSVENTS

MMMMMEDITATIONEDITATIONEDITATIONEDITATIONEDITATION::::: 10:00 am-12 noon12 noon12 noon12 noon12 noonLunch breakLunch breakLunch breakLunch breakLunch break

Sharing and QSharing and QSharing and QSharing and QSharing and Q&A:A:A:A:A: 1:30-5:00 pm1:30-5:00 pm1:30-5:00 pm1:30-5:00 pm1:30-5:00 pm

WHERE: Ohana East Hotel, Waikiki, HawaiiMeeting Room off of lobby located on the 2nd floor.Meeting Room off of lobby located on the 2nd floor.Meeting Room off of lobby located on the 2nd floor.Meeting Room off of lobby located on the 2nd floor.Meeting Room off of lobby located on the 2nd floor.

Park in the Ohana East garage located at 2375 Kuhio AvenuePark in the Ohana East garage located at 2375 Kuhio AvenuePark in the Ohana East garage located at 2375 Kuhio AvenuePark in the Ohana East garage located at 2375 Kuhio AvenuePark in the Ohana East garage located at 2375 Kuhio Avenue

(all day parking with validation is $3.00)(all day parking with validation is $3.00)(all day parking with validation is $3.00)(all day parking with validation is $3.00)(all day parking with validation is $3.00)

DONATION

TTTTTIMESIMESIMESIMESIMES OFOFOFOFOF E E E E EVENTSVENTSVENTSVENTSVENTS

MMMMMEDITATIONEDITATIONEDITATIONEDITATIONEDITATION: : : : : 10:00 am-12 noon12 noon12 noon12 noon12 noonLunch breakLunch breakLunch breakLunch breakLunch break

Sharing and QSharing and QSharing and QSharing and QSharing and Q&A: 1:30-5:00 pmA: 1:30-5:00 pmA: 1:30-5:00 pmA: 1:30-5:00 pmA: 1:30-5:00 pm

Page 6: 2005 Vol 4, December

facilitated by

Jim Gordon and Brian Yeakey

6

Experiencing The Divine –A Meditative Retreat

Experiencing The Divine –A Meditative Retreat

Austin, Texas:at Red Corral Ranch Renewal Center

Wimberley, Texas Thursday, March 23 at 6 pm – Sunday, March 26, 2006 at 1:30 pm

There is limited space available.If you would like to sign up for either of these retreats please contact:

Laura Doggett at 512-306-1056.

In this meditative retreat, Jim and Brian will be taking youon an experiential journey into

the greater knowing of your divine nature.They will be sharing about the meditation practice

of The Path of Sound and Light to “experience the divine,”and there will be gracious periods of time for

meditation, relaxation, and rejuvenation.

In this meditative retreat, Jim and Brian will be taking youon an experiential journey into

the greater knowing of your divine nature.They will be sharing about the meditation practice

of The Path of Sound and Light to “experience the divine,”and there will be gracious periods of time for

meditation, relaxation, and rejuvenation.

andKalamazoo, Michigan

at Seasons – A Center for Renewalat the Fetzer Institute

Thursday, April 6 at 6 pm

thru Sunday, April 9, 2006 at 1:30 pm

Page 7: 2005 Vol 4, December

7

S

II NNER LL IGHT MM INISTRIES CALENDAR

(ILM Calendar continues on next page)

PRESENTED BY LAURA KESTEN:For additional information, call Laura at 512-894-0992.

MICHIGAN: $1252006: FEB 24-FEB 28, APR 21-23, JUNE 24-JULY 1 (intensive), AUG 25-27, OCT 20-22, DEC 1-3

TORIES UNTOLD: Writing is a dynamic tool on the journey to self-healing and self-fullfilment.Writing can be a way to find our hearts, our truths, and our voices. In Stories Untold, we invite theheart to openly and freely feel and express itself, which can ultimately lead to greater levels of acceptanceand forgiveness. Sharing our stories (optional) with a loving, safe and supportive group can deepenour experience. This is an awesome experience! Try it for one weekend and see for yourself. Noexperience necessary!

TEXAS: $502006: JAN 28-29, MAR 11-12, MAY 22-28 (intensive), JULY15-16, SEPT 23-24, NOV18-19

: LOVING, ACCEPTANCE AND FORGIVENESS:

PIRITUAL TOOLS – THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF THE INNER LIFE:S

OHIO and INDIANA:Check out an Introductory Day of Stories Untold. We’ll give you an overview of what goes on in StoriesUntold including a practice run; the benefits you could receive on all levels: physical, emotional, mental,and spiritual; and future dates for 2006. I cannot stress enough the pure magic of Stories Untold, and howyour life, both inwardly and outwardly, can transform. Remember, you do not have to be a ‘great writer’.You just have to show up and be willing. We all have stories; it may be time for you to tell yours.

OHIO: MAR 2 6-9:30 pm Place to be announced No ChargeINDIANA: MAR 3 6-9:30 pm Place to be announced No Charge

You and your partner, significant other, better half,etc., are cordially invited to share in an evening of dining with other couples. Regardless if yourrelationship is brand-new or long-lived, a partnership or a marriage — we’ll celebrate our loving andgratitude with these persons with whom we live and share our lives. Potluck.

JAN 14 5-9 pm Laura and Tom’s Home, Dripping Springs, Texas No Charge

C OUPLES GATHERING & DINNER:

LAF

This workshopis based on a series of Tuesday night talks given by Jim Gordon in Austin, Texas, where he sharedvaluable tools which we can acquire and use as we walk the spiritual Path of Sound and Light. We’llfirst explore our own personal toolboxes by taking a closer look at what’s already ‘in there’, seeingwhat works and what doesn’t, and then we’ll further our exploration by actually putting to use some ofthe tools shared by Jim Gordon. We invite you to see what’s in your toolbox, and to take this opportunityto add a few more ‘spiritual implements’.

MAR 17-19 (retreat), MAY 21 (day-long) Kellogg Biological Station Kalamazoo, Mich. $150APR 2, MAY 7, JUNE 4 10 am-4 pm ILM Center Austin, Texas No Charge

Laugh (LAF) all the wayto God through three simple actions: Loving, Acceptance, and Forgiveness. This workshop is designedto facilitate the ridding of ‘old baggage’ — belief systems that we think and act upon which, in fact, nolonger serve us — through lifting our spirits to greater heights, so that we can begin to walk the straightand narrow path back to the Heart of God.

JAN 6-8 Kellogg Biological Station Kalamazoo, Mich. $125

Page 8: 2005 Vol 4, December

8

PRESENTED BY STEVEN MCAFEE, MIDWEST COORDINATOR:For additional information, call Steven at 260-485-2167.

II NNER LL IGHT MM INISTRIES CALENDAR

TUESDAY CLASS SERIES:

CILM OMMUNITY NIGHT:

“ INDRED SPIRITS” YEARLONG STUDY GROUP:K

(Midwest Calendar continues on next page)

Steven offers a series of weekly ILM classes in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, onTuesday nights from 7-8:30 pm at Unity Christ Church. Each series focuses on a specific spiritual topicand runs from 4-5 weeks in length. Please call Steven for up-to-date information on the current series.

More fun community nights are on their way! We’ll provide soft drinksand munchies. Please RSVP a week ahead so we can plan appropriately. No charge.

JAN 11 7-10 pm MUSIC NIGHT Steven & Anita’s home Ft. Wayne No ChargeFEB 8 7-10 pm MOVIE & POPCORN NIGHT Unity Christ Church (downstairs) Ft. Wayne No ChargeMAR 8 7-10 pm MUSIC NIGHT Steven & Anita’s home Ft. Wayne No Charge

T

The following workshops andretreat are open only to those already enrolled in the Kindred Spirits program this year. If you are interestedin learning more our yearlong study programs, please contact Steven.

JAN 8, FEB 5, APR 2 Workshop Ft. Wayne No ChargeMAR 10-12 Retreat Seasons at Fetzer Institute Kalamazoo, Mich. $150

HE “RETREAT” RETREAT: Instead of a program consisting mostly of teaching and Q & A times,this retreat will consist largely of unstructured time — time you may choose to spend in solitude, withothers in spontaneous fellowship, or in whatever way serves your soul. The daily program will consist of:morning and evening meditations, chanting, a midday communal lunch, and early evening singing andstorytelling. The program ends Sunday after lunch. Participants who arrange to do so in advance are invited tostay through Monday afternoon to have additional time on their own (there will be no program on Monday).

JAN 13-15 Fri 7:30 pm - Sun 3 pm GilChrist Three Rivers, Mich. $140/person (Fri-Sun) -OR- $175/person (Fri-Mon)

T HE MERKAVAH MYSTICS:

P Please join us for an evening of delicious food, beautiful candlelitdecor, and inspirational sharing. We will recount the story of the liberation of the Hebrews from bondagein Egypt, and we’ll reveal the symbolism in the story about the path of liberation of the soul frombondage in the realms of matter. There is no fee for attending, but you MUST register by April 9th to takepart within the evening, as there is a great deal of preparation involved. Seating is limited, so register early.

APR 12 6:30-9:30 pm Unity Christ Church Ft. Wayne Donation

The morning session will present an overview of the “Merkavah”or “chariot” — ancient teachings about the methods used by prophets such as Ezekiel for consciouslyexperiencing the inner realms. In the afternoon session, we will learn about some of their prayer andcontemplation practices. Lunch provided.

FEB 18 9:30 am-4:30 pm Cottage Retreat Center Jackson, Mich. $50

ASSOVER SEDER DINNER:

SUNDAY SERVICES: Steven frequently serves as a guest speaker for various churches andspiritual groups in the Fort Wayne area. If you would like him to speak to your group, please call to makearrangements. The following are presently scheduled:

JAN 8, FEB 5, MAR 5, APR 16 (Easter) 11 am Brigade of Light No Charge

Page 9: 2005 Vol 4, December

II NNER LL IGHT MM INISTRIES CALENDAR

TILM APE SEMINARS:

EVENTS IN THE KALAMAZOO, MICH AREA: Please contact Carolyn Dailey at 269-327-6851(or email [email protected]) or Penny Miller at 269-664-3577 (or email [email protected])

for more information on the activities below. Study groups and seminars will be suspendedstarting December 19, resuming January 10, 2006.

ILM TUDY GROUP:S

9

The Love & Loving study group will meet until December 7, 2005,and resume again on January 17, 2006. Our purpose is to explore the many aspects of Love and discoverthe dynamic energy of Loving as we become living instruments of God’s love. We will learn practicaltools for living the Loving in relationship to “me, myself, and I,” for finding the Loving within, formaintaining a loving relationship, and much more.

1st & 3rd Tuesdays 6:15-8:00 pm Exec. Suites & Services, 5955 West Main, Kalamazoo No Charge

The tape seminars will meet until December 14, 2005, and resumeagain on January 10, 2006. Each seminar includes: Calling in the Light, a short meditation time, andlistening to a tape or CD by ILM Ministers Jim Gordon, Brian Yeakey, or Steven McAfee.

2nd & 4th Tuesdays 6:15-8:00 pm Exec. Suites & Services, 5955 West Main, Kalamazoo No Charge

NOW AVAILABLE ON CD: Two Newly Remastered Talks by Jim Gordon

Excerpt from MANIFESTING ABUNDANCE I:

“Whenever I get my paycheck, or whenever I get money, I bless itbefore I deposit it. And when I take money out of my checking accountto go buy things, I bless it before I spend it. I say, ‘I give thanks for theabundance in me, and may the abundance expand through this actionof spending this money. And may that expansion, that awareness ofabundance, also go to whoever touches it’.”

Excerpt from WAKING UP IN SPIRIT:

“And that’s what I did. I woke up.

“And that’s what we’re all doing all the time anyway, whether we knowit or not, with every little experience we have — and they may seemvery little, but they’re really not. Every experience we have ismagnificent — that magnificence isn’t a measurement of size orproportion. Every experience is magnificent. And with everyexperience we are awakening. For some of us it’s a gradual awakening,because we haven’t prepared in ourselves a place where God can bringforth that second birth, the birth of the Spirit. We haven’t prepared aplace of love, a place of forgiveness, a place of acceptance.

“So love God before all things. Have no other Gods before me ... notmoney, not lust, not possessions of any kind, not titles ... just God.And love God with all your heart, your mind, and your soul, your Spirit.And love your neighbor as yourself.

“If you just begin to focus on those three statements, and begin to livethose three, and begin to look and see how to do that for yourself, youwill begin to prepare a place where that second birth will take placeinside of you.”

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is this action of awakening. It is through the awakeningto the Inner Light and Sound which is known as TheWord, The Audible Life Stream, The Holy Spirit, thatwe find the loving, the answer, the solution — and God.

This practice is so easy, and yet so few truly sit downand go inside, often because they do not know how towake up inside, how to focus inside, or where to hold afocus in order to experience inside. My focus, as isBrian Yeakey’s and Inner Light Ministries’ focus, is toassist people in finding The Inner Way to The InnerKingdom so that the answers are known, so that thesolutions are revealed, and so that Loving becomes TheWay of life. “Seek first the kingdom and all else shallbe given” — the one answer to your questions, thesolution to your life, and the way to live in the Loving.

INNER LIGHT MINISTRIES is pleased to announce:

ILM.org — the INNER LIGHT MINISTRIES Website

ILM.org is being offered to share the basics on ILM, an organization dedicated toteaching The Path of Sound and Light, and to enable everyone interested to pur-chase ILM books, tapes and CDs online. Those who also choose to register on thewebsite as an ILM Member (with no financial obligation) also gain access to:

* Online registration for some ILM workshops and retreats* Audio versions of ILM's weekly Tuesday Night Classes in Austin, Texas* All past and present ILM Newsletters* Information on ILM Initiation into The Path of Sound and Light

There is also a special section for ILM Initiates Only.

Some of the recent talks in the audio section that you can listen to are:

“Being Renewed, Refreshed & Restored”“Allowing God To Fill You Up”

“Facing Our Fears With Loving”“Experiencing God's Loving”“Living each day from SOUL”

“Experiencing the River of Loving”“Living Spirit In This Physical Creation”

“Living Beyond The Psychic Material World”“Experiencing the Ocean of Love and Mercy”

“Simplicity of Meditation”“Awakening to the Audible Life Stream”

Answer (continued from page 1)

by Jim Gordon

Come and check out http://www.ILM.org today!

10

by Lao Tzu. It has been called The Path by so manysuch as Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. Jesus, the ApostleJohn, and others have called it The Inner Kingdom. Ihave learned that this Way is the pathway home to God,the way to the answers to all questions, the key to thetrue Holy Grail that so many are looking for. I havefound that The Way is the practice of devotion throughthe action of meditation. It is a practice of focusingabove the mind, above the realms of the physical worldand the physical self, in order to wake up into the greatertruth, into the complete truth that is you as Soul. It isthe looking to the Inner Light and the Inner Sound that

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Excerpt from THE PATH OF SOUND AND LIGHT:

“This pathway of liberation, this pathway of soul transcen-dence, is a pathway that will take you inside, and awaken youinside, to the truth of who you really are. It is a pathway thatwill begin the process of your soul traveling back through therealms of this creation into the realms of God’s creation, thespiritual realms.”

– Jim Gordon

Talks For Those InterestedIn Initiation Through ILMTalks For Those InterestedIn Initiation Through ILM

Excerpts from KEYS OF INITIATION WITH JIM AND BRIAN:

“In that idea of oneness, remember that this is an action of theHoly Spirit. That it is one spirit, the Loving of God, that isever manifesting as The Audible Lifestream — and that is whatthis is about. And that is the oneness that is the initiation. It isabout The Holy Spirit. And The Holy Spirit works through usindividually and collectively to serve those who are initiatedand those who are seeking — to bring them clarity on theirpath in the direction that they might go.”

– Jim Gordon

“Having this outer action (a spiritual teacher), somebody physicallyor personally to relate to, is a wonderful action that Spirit hasgiven us to really assist us in our own spiritual awakening —to move past all of our own inner blocks so that we can wakeup and have that greater experience of the oneness inside.

“And so there is that process of the outer reflection. It all takesplace inwardly, but in this world of reflection the way this worksis out here, by reflecting back to one another that greater truth.And so that is part of the action that takes place when you havethe individual expression (the teacher), who is that reflectionwe can see — so that we can really begin to awaken into thegreater impersonal, if you will, or the formless, where we trulyare all one.”

– Brian Yeakey

Excerpt from UNDERSTANDING THE ‘INNER’ PATHWAY:

“We in Inner Light Ministries present a teaching that is universal.It is one pathway that is a pathway of Loving. It is a pathway oftruth. Throughout time it’s been called many things ... but mostlyit is The Path, or The Way. This pathway is an’‘inner’ pathway.It has nothing to do with evolution, it has nothing to do withthe Masters of Hierarchy, or angels, or teachers outside. It haseverything to do with the divine spark that is in you, and youconnecting back to that, and awakening to that, and thentraveling as that divine spark on up to your own soul and unitingand connecting back there once again in fullness and awareness.Thus knowing who you are in the whole being of God, andliving that and manifesting that at this level as well.”

– Jim Gordon

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INNER LIGHT MINISTRIES MATERIALS LISTINNER LIGHT MINISTRIES MATERIALS LIST

MEDITATION AND THE HEALING PROCESS

by Brian Yeakey

PRACTICING MEDITATION—CONNECTING WITH THE DIVINE

by Steven McAfee

TWO MEDITATIONS by Jim Gordon

Sacred Place MeditationForgiveness Meditation

ILM BOOKSBY JIM GORDON ($10 each)

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THE SPIRITUAL PATH MEDITATION by Jim Gordon

THE HEART OF GOD MEDITATION by Brian Yeakey

KEYS OF INITIATION WITH JIM AND BRIAN

(MEDITATION AND TALK)THE THREE FOLD PATH

(MEDITATION AND TALK)THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE

(MEDITATION AND TALK)A SIMPLE WAY—THE PATH OF ILMUNDERSTANDING THE ‘INNER’ PATHWAY

THE PATH OF SOUND AND LIGHT

WAKING UP IN SPIRIT

WHAT SEPARATES US FROM OUR LOVING

A FREQUENCY OF CHANGE

FOR A NEW MILLENNIUM

A SOUL’S JOURNEY

FOCUSING ON CHRIST

GUARDIAN ANGELS

SOUL VS EGO

ANGELS

(MANIFESTING) ABUNDANCE I(MANIFESTING) ABUNDANCE IISENDING THE LIGHT

AURA CLEANSING WORKSHOP

AWAKENING TO YOUR INNER LIGHT andCALLING IN THE LIGHT

KEYS TO INNER COMMUNICATION

YOU AS A COMMUNICATOR, YOU AS ACREATOR and A MEDITATION

MOVING INTO SOUL CONSCIOUSNESS andCOMMUNION CEREMONY

MEDITATIVE TECHNIQUES

COMMUNICATION THROUGH DREAMS

THE LEVELS TO SOUL AND BEYOND

OUR RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

SONGS OF PRAISE TO GOD and A NEW

UNDERSTANDING OF RELATIONSHIPS

THE PATH OF NEUTRALITY

UNDERSTANDING CHRIST CONSCIOUSNESS

INNER REVELATION and A FLOWER FROM

HEAVEN

LORD, MAKE ME WORTHY andTHE MASTER IN YOUR HEART

FROM HERE TO ETERNITY andRESPONSIBILITY

HEALING AND COLOR THERAPY

Page 13: 2005 Vol 4, December

an excerpt by Jim Gordon*

EDITATION – BEING PRESENT

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M

he more we wake up in our meditation tothe living moment, to the now, and bewith God here and now, then the more

we begin to live in that essence of knowing.And all the knowing is present right now. There’sno place you have to go, no thing you have to do,in order to have understanding, to have experience,to have God. There’s no place. You don’t evenhave to leave the body, because God is right here inthe body.

Out of God, at the moment of creation, came a directemanation of God’s essence ... Loving ... and thatis the Soul. And that sits right here (motioning tothe Third Eye). So right here at the Seat of theSoul (again motioning to the Third Eye) is a directemanation of God. This is a divine spark of Goddwelling here. And as we wake up into the doingof that, the being of that, the knowing of that, theliving of that, the loving of that, then we begin tolive in the now — the now of God. And we beginto realize who we truly are as that divine living,loving essence of the Lord. And as we wake upinto that, we realize that there’s no place to go. Godis right here. God sits right here within us. We areGod. We are a divine emanation of God. And Godis ever longing for us to wake up into the knowingof that. And it’s when we wake up into that, as I’vealways said, that then you’ll realize you’ve neverleft the Heart of God. And you can sit here in thephysical body with your eyes open, doing paperwork, doing a talk, or whatever, and still know thatyou are in the Living, Loving Heart of the Lord,right now, right here. And there is no separation.

But because our consciousness, in this world ofmind and ego, has entrapped our awareness of whowe really are as the divine emanation of the Lord,we now look ‘outward’ trying to find our truth,trying to find ourselves, trying to find our wayhome. And we keep looking outward and into theworld for answers, solutions, and understanding.And it’s not there. And as we do that we get caught

up in this timeline here, and we’re ever living inthe past, present and future. If we’re lucky we findourselves living more in the present. But the wayto do that isn’t through luck, it’s really through thepractice of meditation. Because when we sit inmeditation, when we close our eyes and go inside,we’re ever training ourselves to live more in thenow. Every time we are in meditation and our mindcarries us away, or our emotions take us away, orour bodies carry us away ... it’s up to us to bringourselves present to the now, and say, “No, I’mdoing now. I’m doing God. I’m loving God. Godis loving me.” And keep yourself present in thatnow moment.

And as you do that, the timelines of the world —the past and the future — disappear. They melt inthat moment. And then when you open your eyesand begin to do the day, it’s really up to you tobecome that living moment, to be the living prayer,to be a living meditation, and to get up and go anddo what you just did in meditation, where youconnected into the now moment with God. And goand do that in your day. And don’t get caught up inthe past or the future. Don’t worry about whatpeople said yesterday at work. And don’t beconcerned about tomorrow in paying your bills.Take care of this moment. Take care and live inthis moment and be a living prayer, be a livingmeditation, and live in the now. And let the pastand the future drop away, because they really donot exist. It is only right now.

And there is a time in the now where you will wakeup (laughter). Now isn’t that a funny statement.There is a time in the now. And there is ‘no time’ inthe now. There is, in the now, that place where youwill wake up in the knowing of you and God asone.

* (This article is an excerpt from a talk, BlessingsAnd Liberation, given by Jim Gordon on March29, 2005. To hear more of this talk log onto theaudio section of the ILM website, ILM.org, whichis advertised on page10.)

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tried to get out of brushing your teeth ... when ourmothers asked if we brushed, we’d squeak out a, “Yes,”when indeed we hadn’t. And despite all the goodreasons she’d given us, we still had more reasons whynot to: we didn’t want to miss the program we werewatching, the hallway to the bathroom was too dark,we didn’t like the toothpaste. Or perhaps you werethe ‘promiser’ type who would promise to do it on thenext commercial, or when the show was over, or whenyou had to go to the bathroom, or on your way to bed— when you really had no intention of brushing at all!Or maybe you’d just beg off, saying, “I’m too tired soI’ll just brush them ‘extra good’ in the morning.”As adults, our minds throw out excuses not to meditate:“I work such long hours,” “The kids had so muchgoing on this week,” “I’ve got piles of laundry to do,”“I have a headache.” And then we may promise: “I’llmeditate later in the morning after I sleep a littlelonger; I’m busy now but I’ll meditate right after lunch;something has come up but I’ll get to it before I go tobed; I’m so exhausted, I’ll just skip meditation todayand will meditate extra long tomorrow.”

Of course, now, as an adult, I’ve outgrown the excuses,and I really do brush my teeth everyday, twice, andnobody has to remind me. I do it because it feelsbetter to brush them than not to; I do it withoutthinking; it’s become automatic, a habit if you will.This too can be true for my spiritual practice ofmeditation: to become a rock-solid habit each day.

And so, I’ve decided to take on what I call my“tooth-brush challenge:” I won’t brush my teeth untilI meditate that day.

The challenge has been quite interesting, to say theleast. I’ve brushed my teeth at all hours of the day!And sometimes, not until I’m going to bed at the endof the day! But, I am getting my meditation in eachand every day now. In truth, it’s actually been kind offun — to make a game of it, where I’m the winner!

So how ‘bout it? Are you ready to take on such anabsurd challenge? If you are, or if you come up withanother one that works for you, let me know about it.I’d love to hear what works for you!

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by Laura Kesten,ILM Minister

EDITATION CHALLENGEM

recently had a discussion with a friendabout meditation. She expressed howdifficult it was to find time to ‘fit it in’.

I agreed that sometimes it does seem likethere aren’t enough hours in the day. But I askedher to think of one thing she does every day, “noifs, ands or buts,” and not something that is requiredto stay alive like eating or sleeping. She answered,“Brushing my teeth.” I quickly returned, “Well then,try not brushing your teeth for three days.” We bothlaughed at the absurdity. Later, I thought more aboutthe parallels between brushing our teeth and, (initalics) practicing our meditation.

When we were little, our parents had to teach us aboutthe brushing routine, morning and night. When wefirst began our spiritual path, we were taught that thebest way to get to the heart of God is to meditate daily.

Our parents gave reasons as to why it’s importantto brush our teeth each day.After studying The Path of Sound and Light, welearned that the best way to travel this inner pathwayis by following the recommended guideline ofmeditating for 1/10 of the day.

Our parents taught us how to brush our teeth.At our initiation by our Spiritual Teacher, we weretaught the Sound and Light meditation practice ofchanting The Names of God.

Our parents reminded and encouraged us to brushdaily, becoming ‘broken records’: “Go brush yourteeth,” or, “Don’t forget to brush your teeth,” or,“Do it — NOW!”Our Spiritual Teacher reminds us again and againthat meditation is the most important thing we cando every day, even if we can’t do it for the full two-and-half hours. That the answer to every questionwe ask the teacher is ‘a broken record’ — meditate,meditate, meditate!

As children, if you were like me, you may have slyly

I

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the action of loving, of loving God deep inside, in thosemost intimate of all places that no one else ever sees.Being devoted to God means ever turning my attentionto Spirit, whether I am sitting quietly absorbed in mydevotion, or whether I am actively engaging in someouter form of activity in the world. It means giving mytime to our mutual relationship through my practice ofmeditation; it means sharing my life with Him in prayer;it means studying sacred teachings to open my mindand heart more willingly to His action in my life.Devotion is a commitment to act in loving, and devotionis made manifest through that action.

What does acting in devotion look like? Let me giveyou an example using my dog Simcha. When Simchawakes up in the morning, the very first thing he does islook for me. Even before he goes outside, before heeats breakfast, even before he plays, he wants to connectwith me. Then, he goes out to potty, eats, plays, andmoves into his day. Throughout the day, he continuallyreturns to me, checking in, ready to play, to snuggle, tosit quietly beside me, or to go outside for an adventurewith me. He doesn’t much care what we do as long aswe do it together. When he is happy, he runs to me toshare it. When he is afraid or sad, I am again the firstone he runs to. When we have a house full of peoplewith many different activities going, and he is feeling alittle ‘beside himself’, I am the one to whom he turnsto get his bearings. And the place he wants most to bewhen he lies down to sleep at night is beside me. Simplyput, I am the one from whom he takes his lead. Simchais devoted to me.

So, being devoted does not mean that I have to feelemotional about God every instant of the day. It doesmean that I focus on being aware of our connectionthroughout the day. When I awaken, I can turn myattention first to my Lord, to connect with God before Iengage the world that day. When I am hurt orfrightened, I can run into His arms for comfort. WhenI am happy, I can share my joy. When I am excited oroverwhelmed by the flurry of activities around me, Ican seek His Face to get my bearings. And I can turnmy thoughts toward Him each night as I go to sleep.Devotion to God is about the constancy of innercommitment, the level of intimacy in sharing ... it isabout our enduring connection to Spirit.

by Steven McAfee,ILM Minister

EVOTION

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evotion is one of those qualities that hasalways held a special place in my heart. Ilike the energy of devotion, and I like

myself when I am being devoted to what Ilove. When I am not consciously experiencing devotionI feel empty inside, like something important is missing.When I am living in devotion, I feel enthusiastic andalive in a much fuller sense. Since devotion has beensuch a central part of my life, I wanted to share mydevotion with you.

Devotion is often associated with a feeling or emotion.But the word “Devotion” comes from a Latin verbmeaning “to vow,” and means, “to promise to bindoneself to an act, service, or condition.” Emotions comeand go, rise and fall. Devotion does not. What we aredevoted to is constantly with us and present within ourawareness. For example, when I travel alone away fromhome, my wife is ever with me. No matter whatactivities engage my attention, she is never absent frommy awareness, even when I am not having any particularfeeling associated with her. When we chose to bindourselves, one to another, in marriage, our vows werethe expression of our commitment, our devotion, to eachother. It is similar in my relationship with God: it ismy devotion that binds me to God, which keeps Godever present in my awareness, even if, in any givenmoment, I am not emotionally feeling God’s presence.Being devoted does not “bind” me in the sense ofrestraining me, like being bound with a rope, keepingme tied down and limiting my freedom. Instead myvow of devotion gives me the ability to make aconnection — a conscious link — with that which Ilove.

I used to think that feeling love for God was whatmattered most. But I have come to understand that theconnection exists even when I don’t feel it. Notice thatin its definition, devotion is not about emotion, butabout action. Being devoted means to pledge oneselfto an action. In the case of marriage, to the actions offidelity, companionship, and all the rest that go withthe intimacy of that relationship. In Spirit, it is simply

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II NNER LL IGHT MM INISTRIES NEWSLETTER

FORWARDING SERVICE REQUESTED

Inner Light MinistriesEditorial and Publishing Office

P.O. Box 164332Austin, Texas 78716-4332

Phone: 512-306-1056

ABOUT ILM is a non-profit

organization dedicated to teaching spiritual awakeningthrough an inner practice of meditation. This meditationpractice is an inner path through which the soultranscends the physical realms of creation to its truehome in the spiritual realms within the heart of God. Inspiritual teachings and literature this inner path isoften referred to as “The Path of Sound and Light,”“The Path of The Holy Spirit,” “The Path of Love,” orsimply as “The Path” or “The Way.” ILM offersinitiation into this meditation practice enabling one tofully experience this inner journey of awakening.

To provide support for those individuals interested inthis path, Inner Light Ministries offers numerouspublications, materials, programs, and services, whichencourage devotion to God and support a life-longpractice of prayer, meditation, spiritual study, andservice.

INNER LIGHT MINISTRIES (ILM)

ILM:

New Product

Main Office: Jim Gordon, P.O. Box 164332, Austin, TX 78716-4332; Financial Office: Tom Beaver, P.O. Box 1086,Dripping Springs, TX 78620; Midwest Office: Steven McAfee, P.O. Box 5139, Fort Wayne, IN 46895

New Product

(See page 3 for more information.)

• •

Wake Up, Wake Up!Meditation and Talk