A.R.E. Meeting for 5/15/17

Hello. We had a good meeting.  

We read the first two sections of ASFG on "How to open the door" from lesson 8 on page 94. We discussed the results of the experiment we did during the week as well as questions from the lesson, and an ongoing question of why do we do good or the right thing or why not, and when we don't do the"right thing" or behave according to our ideal. 

What is a good example of "good" in someone deemed by all as "completely evil?" We came up with "a Pedophile," who is someone's beloved son and someone's adored  father, i.e., Catholic priests living a life of service, except for raping boys. They performed evil acts, behaviors, but they are not totally and completely evil. They are also loving, kind, caring, charitable, honest, hard working, and dedicated to service.  Bill Clinton or Bill Cosby could be an example of someone who is a good person, a lovable, likable person but is accused and charged with drugging and raping women.

For our experiment we chose the first experiment at the bottom of page 88:
"Choose and write down something in your life that seems to be a barrier to you.  (Problem with a relationship, a difficulty meditating) Then write down a constructive purpose which that barrier is serving. (Not taking relationship for granted; working on relationship is awakening a specific positive quality in me) and look for and respond to doorways that may open in that barrier during the week.  Do not expect the barrier to disappear but be attentive to the ways in which the Christ Spirit is speaking to you through this situation.  Keep a record of your experiences."

Now I have some  really sad news. Since my first first ARE retreat in Colorado at Camp Elephant Rock, or was it Berthoud Ski lodge in 1978, Darlene Bodnar has been a bright light and good humored, cheerful leader, and teacher, ARE Council leader, retreat planner, etc.  You may recall she was ill and unable to attend the program when Kevin Todeshi Spoke on Edgar Cayce on the Akashic Records, Relationships, and the Illusion of Time last month. She was very ill, did not recover, and I am sorry to say her memorial services were held this past week. How could someone with such a zest for life, so much enthusiasm, energy spreading love and joy everywhere even die? 

I hope to see all of you next week as the meeting room door opens for our next lesson at 7 pm.

Sylvia