My favorite old man does combat with trees, or at least he used to. Tree smasher, embracer, bully fighter, eel biter, feeder of starving people.

The requirements of Providence are kitchen table conversation to him in a way they haven’t been since nineteenth century America. My favorite old man is a wizard. He owns the hallways of time, has the Prophet, peace be upon him, on speeddial.

He has lived long enough to get word that his siblings have died. Sunrises have been born, lived, snuffed and born again. As have heartbeats, longings and promises received. Each kindness, betrayal and repentance (sometimes from the same person in the course of one day) is scrubbed and filed, tucked away in rows of cabinets, each one labeled my best final plan. His wrinkles are honestly come by.

Only a beast more fearsome than the Beast of Time can unite a people incapable of unity. My favorite old man is the more gnarly beast who goes out of his way to kick over a cigar-chomper’s colored lawn jockey or tell a casino pit boss mine’s bigger than yours. Forever the tree smasher.

Even he cannot outlast the relentless piling up of years upon years, but he will beat the Beast of Time just the same by experiencing his final heartbeat hating no one.

He was not an ordinary man who became like this; he was always this way. What he did become that he wasn’t before, is a person who makes things so by declaring they are so.

Larry Moffitt
23 January, 2010

Father is right, all this stuff about sibling rivalry or son against father, is beside the point. It all begins and ends with God. Just as it always has. Providence belongs to God; the Will of God is God’s. It’s God’s universe and vision. God created man so we could grow to be his sons and daughters, his adult children. Eventually to be indistinguishable from God. It’s a glorious, loving plan, so sharing, so inclusive and it has never changed.

After you know this, the path becomes blindingly clear. God appoints his representative leader, that leader appoints someone, and he/she appoints someone and so on. That’s the path.

The rest is distraction that, unfortunately, ends up consuming most of our time. The rebel son, the errant disciple, the ministries of the other children. Ourselves, our denial, our innermost hearts. All these things are judged by the spiritual truth of that crystal clear path God has given us. In the end, spiritual truth is the only truth. In the face of spiritual truth, the time for talking is over. In the realms of the social and political, there is no truth. At least nothing absolute. There are only positions. That’s why rumor rules those spheres.

So we have to stay on the path. The crystal clear path given to us by God, judges us all. Actually it doesn’t even judge. It just sits there. We judge ourselves. Could it get anymore fair than that?

What should we think about the rebel son and errant disciples? We can love them, and we should. Have to in fact, because real families don’t excommunicate. But we can’t leave the path ourselves. We think of God as being absolute, and he is about most things. But also God allows for forgiveness, and that’s a safety net God thought up, but which doesn’t really have to exist in order for the universe to function. And yet it does. This is God’s love weighing in to mitigate God’s truth. The mother advising the father on the logic of nurturing, softens his stance.

A man steals $10,000 and squanders it on the usual stuff. After sinking to the depths of human degradation and growing weary of his job tuning pianos in whorehouses, he returns to the father, to the path, with a remorseful heart and hands back the nine dollars and eighty-one cents left over. The father takes the money, embraces the son, and pulls him back onto the path. That’s not exactly absolute. It’s something different. But it’s a very, very good thing, and it’s the only reason some of us have any bacon left.

But still, I should count on the path, rather than forgiveness. It will save wear and tear on everyone if I remember the path. Everything I do, every single breath I take, is for this path God gave me.

Larry Moffitt
23 January, 2010

The Il Shim; One Heart – One Mind programme aims to educate youth about purity. It is part of a new effort to establish ‘Rights of Passage’ for young people – beginning from early Sunday school lasting until the Blessing. It also aims to support youth through the ups and downs of growing up and educate and inspire them through each stage of development, nurturing their hearts and minds. The programme is divided into four parts to study which teaches about purity and the value of being single, this is studied at home with parents to bring unity between the first and second generation.

The seminar held on Nov 1st in South London was made up of  lectures which went into more detail than the study programme itself, such as information from the book by Josh Harris “I Kissed Dating Goodbye”, which includes the meaning and purpose of singleness. The seminar was also enhanced by Susan and Ashley Crosthwaite’s inspirations and care for the participants on the day. There were discussions and sharing on the day which gave the participants a chance to share what they learned from the programme and seminar. Afterwards 12 of the participants took part in the Purity Ring Ceremony where a money offering was given, the purity pledge was read and through full bows they expressed respect for their parents. This was representing their pledge to purity, service to God and preparation for the Blessing, finally ending with the Purity Rings being presented to each of the participants as a symbol of this pledge.

Natania: “The day proved to me how this decision within the hearts of Blessed Children can really make an impact to their lives and the lives of others. As we all stood there, united in the decision to stay pure, I felt a deep connection with my fellow brothers and sisters and felt proud that I could help them make such an important choice in their lives. I really believe that this programme is a great way to unite with true Father’s core teachings of love, life and lineage; how we love each other, how we live our lives and how we keep and respect our lineage. This reflects purity through living pure lives, being our true selves and sharing in true love with one another. Our dear Aunty and Uncle gave us guidance on how to respond to life’s challenges and how to stay strong with our beliefs, faith and purity. I made the choice to pledge my purity many years ago, with half the conviction that these brothers and sisters have, and it changed my life.”

By Natania Squizzato and Susan Crosthwaite

By Teresa Hays

The European leaders meeting held at Livingston house on the 2nd-3rd November, hailed people from far and wide to take part in what has become an  important event, a chance for Reverend Song to pass on providential updates and news and a chance for our movement to digest and work together on a European level.

Being an average, student aged person in London, I had no connection to such a meeting, it was something maybe you heard was going on but in mine and probably many cases the reaction was indifference, how does this meeting effect me in any way? What will come out of it which is different from what is currently going on? What is the value of these meetings? Is it constructive?

I had several questions in my head and wanting to know what other people thought, I set out to find some answers. I asked Franklin Fortune his opinion and I was very moved by his honest and sincere point of view. He spoke very openly about his heart towards Rev. Song, explaining that sometimes its hard to completely understand the providential reasons for why we must do things here in Europe. In particular he spoke about cheon song conditions, how after some time each condition seems more like a routine then anything else, more like “heavenly tax”.

Something he realized at the meeting, was that the cheon song conditions are more of a chance for us to contribute to True Parents’ providence and goals. As Rev. Song is not always available, he cannot provide everything on behalf of Europe, subsequently the cheon song conditions gives us as members the opportunity to take sincere ownership over the progress in Europe, he went on by saying “the choice is ours”.

As I took some time to sit in the meeting, listening to all the many reports about countries and projects going on, it became clear that indeed there was a lot of talking, too much for my own attention span. But more then this I could begin to see the value in creating relationships and partnerships with each other.

This point struck me, wanting to get more answers I interviewed Tim Miller. Mr Miller had been working very closely with Rev. Song and was coordinating the meetings over the two days. He emphasized the importance of communication, communication between nations as well as vertical communication and understanding between Europe and our international movement. I also spoke to Simon Cooper about this point who admitted that working together on such a large scale isn’t an easy task as Europe has such rich and diverse cultures, but nonetheless growing in our connection to each other and Rev. and Mrs Song is important.

I ended my visit in reflection and came to the conclusion that most of the people attending came out of it feeling re-motivated with new direction and determination. In short I think the meetings were constructive in the way that it gave leaders the chance to re-connect with each other, a good and insightful visit. Watch the video:

All images: Michael Huish

Anthony McGuigan writes:

This year’s annual gathering was the best organised I have seen in years.

The Sunday service was a good spiritual foundation for the day.  Chigo Ahunanya, the MC was outstanding, lead from the front with passion and power (one of the best MCs in our movement – please use him more often) supported by the band & Choir who were on top form.

Simon’s sermon “Let God Use Your Eyes” was delivered with humour, passion & to the point.  Jack Corley was welcomed as the new Regional Director for the Island Nations, and entertained us with his whirlwind life in our movement over almost 40years.  Maybe we could cut the time even shorter by cutting out the Announcements on the program (most of us can still just about read).  Overall it was spiritual uplifting start to our day. Big thanks to Simon & Ashley who were hypnotising the children in the main House.

The House & grounds get better each year & this year was no exception with everywhere looking clean & tidy & well care for. I am sure a lot of effort was made beforehand from Carlo & Barbara and staff & 2nd gen from the Harp w/s, and Réamonn B. who lost a night sleep setting up the PA equipment in the Tent.

A huge effort went into the actives during the afternoon, not least Paint Balling with Mike S., Children’s races with Toby W. & Simon R. five–a-side Soccer Comp. with Masa H. Sumo Wrestling was a highlight for me – the referee did great job to kept he spirit of the game.

With energy filled games in play the less able had time to catch up with friends & family not seen for a while.

I was pleasantly surprised to see the art of FR has not been lost by our 2nd gen. many not content to sit behind a table but got out among the masses to (extort) persuade member to part with their dosh. I did come away with a beautiful cd (Changing Colours) sung by Natty German, and original hand painted cards by Jonathan Brann to name but a few items lessening my pockets but uplifting my spirit.

A heartfelt thanks to all who made The Annual Gathering an event to be proud of.

Just one improvement for next year please would whoever is responsible for the weather; a little more sunshine would not go amiss.

Anthony Mc.

Check out the video:

Do you have one of those new-fangled Twitter account things?

Yes? Well, then follow us @FamilyFireplace.

No? For the more tech-savvy, it’s a great communication tool. You can get updates from the accounts that you’re “following” directly to your phone, even if you decide not to micro-blog about whar you’re doing every minute of the day. To learn more about Twitter, I would recommend tech columnist David Pogue’s NYTimes article about it.

Consider all things holy. Why does a handkerchief owned by a holy man become so valuable? Because of the vibration of the holy man. So you, too, should give all things a holy value. When you touch something, feel that you are giving it glory.

The same holds true for the people we meet and live with. When you see another person, how much do you care for him or her? How do you feel towards that person? You must really love the people you meet, because they are the temples of God. When you touch another person, feel that through your touch, both of you will be blessed.

Each of us has two aspects, mind and body. Our true mind wants to touch our body with heart and give love to it. We should think of our mind as God’s mind, because God loves it and that is where He dwells. Look at each man or woman as a holy person. Regard each person’s body as sacred and their mind as hallowed.

If you live like this, soon you will hear inside of yourself a small voice, the sound of your mind. Wherever you walk no evil or darkness can remain. Only good spirits can touch you if you create such an atmosphere. If you place yourself in such a position, then spirit world will pour down upon you its abundant blessing and power. [Rev Moon, November 27, 1978 (edited version)]

tricky move...

So for the past month we have been having organised football every 2 weeks and it has been a very good experience for many people who have come. Reason why? Football is a sport where you can have the likes of Theo Walcott (20 years old) & Alumania (32 years old) play on the same team and have a generally good time together without the age gap interfering with the game.

It has been great so far and we have had some adults as well as 14 year olds come and join. Its kind of a way to bridge the gap and all have fun doing it. We are also taking this opportunity to getting people warmed up to the idea of a Community football team entering a Sunday League next season.

Our next meeting is on the 13th of June at Catford Power league, London, followed by another session on the 27th of June in Kennington Park, South London. Please feel free to come and bring friends. We usually start at 13:00 and punctuality is of utmost importance. The participation fee is also 3 pounds.

For  more infor contact Chigo at chigozie22@hotmail.com

So, as some of you may know, a “my story” article about my Blessing by Rev. Moon will be appearing in the May 2009 issue of Cosmopolitan magazine, aka the Women’s Bible. (Just kidding, just kidding!) As a result of that, I was invited to talk about it on BBC Essex radio this morning. It was a really exciting interview and the host, Dave Monk, was very respectful, not to mention interested in hearing all about it. For those of you who would like to hear the interview, please visit BBC Essex Radio’s Dave Monk’s page on their website, and click on the “Listen again” link to hear it on BBC iPlayer.

For those interested in the Cosmo article, it hasnt’ hit stands yet, but I will let you all know when it does. =)

Focusing on our relationships and less on meetings…..

Our pastors and staff often meet in meetings. So much so that the word “meeting” can be a loaded word, and thoughts of listening to long reports, spin, and imperfect communication come to mind. Well, we have been changing that thought process: recently in HQs when we hold a meeting we try to have our reports emailed in advance and down to a page or two. We give each other 10 mins or so to quietly read through if we haven’t done so already by email, and then get on with discussing what is really a priority.

But there is that whole other aspect of being a team, which are the personal relationships we have with each other. So, some of the London pastors and our couple have started a little midday sharing in the week, at our home. It is really nice to get to know more about how we all think and feel, about how we are in our families. And the food is good. On the way out at the end we start to talk work, and of course there is always a lot to communicate, about upcoming events, workshops, etc, but putting some focus on our personal relationships is definitely a good investment. Hope the picture helps you catch the atmosphere.