Be Guided by Love

Be Guided by Love by John Van Auken

Most all humans love love! We don’t always understand love. We often get hurt by love, especially unrequited love. And, despite our love for others, we often hurt them. But there is no questioning how much humans love love! It is the number one topic for songs and fairytales. Trying to avoid love is near impossible because Nature has built into our bodies some of the most powerful hormones for loving. Evolution’s unswerving drive for survival of the species has developed a human body that is loaded with powerful chemicals to help ensure the success of human bonding. The “love chemical” is phenylethylamine (PEA). When this is released in the brain of any human, he or she will feel uncontrollably amorous, romantic, and “turned on” by the person who is the object of these feelings. Follow this up with a little oxytocin (often called “the cuddle chemical”), and you have the lovemaking sensations of relaxed pleasure and attachment. For the relationship to endure, however,

20 endorphins must be released in the brain. If they are, then the love relationship endures.

Edgar Cayce curiously correlated love with law – which is paradoxically. Here’s how he taught this: “The law of God is LOVE of God, and is not a hardship. Make your life and your love of your fellow man a living thing in your experience day by day. Smile oft. Speak gently. Be kind.” (262-109)

To a 12-year-old Jewish girl Cayce taught: “The law of the Lord is perfect. Love of the law, love of the Lord is perfect. For, love is perfect if it is selfless in its reactions to associations one with another. The first and the last commandments are the whole law: Thou shalt love the Lord thy god with all thy heart, thy mind, thy soul, thy body; and thy neighbor as thyself . The rest only explains, only interprets, only manifests for the individual the

tenets of the law. For the law is love, and love is law. And the Lord is one in same.” (2905-3)

The Greeks actually help grasp three major types of love, using the Greek words eros, philia, and agape. Eros refers to love that is passionate, intense, and sexual. Philia love is fondness and appreciation of another, beyond self. It is friendship, family loyalty, community ties, love for one’s work, and the like. Philia is associated with “brotherly,” as in Philadelphia (phila-delphi, city of brotherly love.) Agape love is God’s love for His/Her children and humanity’s love for one another. Agape love does not seek anything in return for its expression. However, agape love has an ethical standard and may therefore impartially determine another’s warranting love – something we acknowledge today as “tough love,” meaning a love that calls the other to higher levels of behavior. In the New Testament, written in Greek, many of the “love” statements used the word agape. When the monks translated the King James version of the Bible, they were so concerned that the English word “love” was too vague, not as clear as the Greek word, so they translated agape as “charity”! Agape love is akin to charity: caring for others without seeking anything in return. St. Thomas Aquinas called charity “the foundation or root” of all Christian virtues. The King James Bible is the only Bible using the word “charity,” all the many other English translations still use love. “he must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up.” Upon hearing this Peter counter by suggested that they don’t go into the city, and thereby avoid the authorities: “Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, ‘Be it far from you, Lord; this shall never be for you.’ But Jesus turned, and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan; you are a stumbling-block to me for you mind not the things of God but the things of men.” (Matthew 16:21-23) For Peter’s sake he must realize that his thinking was that akin to Satan’s, desiring the ways that seem best to humans over those that are known to be God’s ways. Jesus loved Peter, but truth also had to be maintained.

A key passage in the New Testament lays down a foundation upon which all other biblical perspectives on love may be understood. The scene is also fascinating. Jesus is at the temple in Jerusalem where pigeons are being sacrificed and the smell and smoke are everywhere. An official scribe working at the temple overhears Jesus answering questions and he likes Jesus’ replies, so he asks the teacher a very important question. These passages are in the Gospel of Mark:

“One of the scribes came, and heard them questioning together, and knowing that Jesus had answered them well, asked him, ‘What commandment is the first of all?’

The Holy Scriptures are filled with encouragements to love. In the apostle John’s epistle (1 John 4:7-12), he wrote:

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love .... If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us.”

Most have come to understand that Jesus did not mean literal death, but rather thinking more of what another may need than what self may want. Yet, this must not become self-destructive. No one could accuse Jesus of being a doormat of self-deprecating love. He often radiated a tough love. Those around Him often needed to hear the truth and a clear position on God’s ways, not pampering. Perhaps the best example is his discussions with Peter. One example was when Jesus explained that,

“Jesus answered, ‘The first is, Hear, O Israel, The Lord our God, the Lord is one; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this; you shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.’

“And the scribe said unto him, ‘Of a truth, Teacher, you have well said that the Lord is one and there is none other but God; and to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all burnt-offerings and sacrifices.’

“And when Jesus heard that the scribe answered well, he said unto him, ‘You are close to the kingdom of God.’” (Mark 12:28-34 RSV)

Notice how Jesus acknowledges the wisdom and understanding that the script has gained from his own personal spiritual search. Notice also that though the scribe is standing in the physical world, Jesus says that he is close to the kingdom of God. This reveals that the kingdom of God is not beyond this world. Heaven may be approached while incarnate. Additionally, notice how an official of the temple, in which the practice of animal and grain burning are part of the daily ritual, has come to know that these are not what God seeks. God seeks love from us; love toward God and toward our neighbors.

Keep in mind that those who live with us are our closest neighbors, though we often take them for granted. They should receive our love. Let us do as Cayce directed: “Make your life and your love of your fellow man a living thing in your experience day by day. Smile oft. Speak gently. Be kind.” (262-109)

John Van Auken

About the Author: John Van Auken is an internationally renowned speaker, a long-time A.R.E. staff member, a current director at A.R.E, and a popular leader of A.R.E.’s tours to sacred sites around the world. He is the author of numerous bestselling books including Edgar Cayce on the Spiritual Forces Within You, Angels, Fairies, Demons, & the Elementals, and is co-author of his most recent, Edgar Cayce on the Mysterious Essenes: Lessons from Our Sacred Past. His extensive knowledge of the Edgar Cayce readings, the Bible, ancient Egypt mysticism, world religions, and Christ Consciousness make him a popular and authoritative teacher. To view John’s upcoming schedule of events, visit our events search page for “John Van Auken” at www.edgarcayce.org.

Animal Communication & Wellness Services www.acwservices.net •Animal Communication •Healing Touch for Animals •Flower Essence Consultations •Canine & Equine Massage •& Other Healing Modalities (513) 310-3997 (513) 309-0957 Cindy Huff & Terri Noftsger

Senior Pets – Challenges and Joys by Cindy Huff

This issue we wanted to talk about a topic that is near and dear to Terri and I – living with and caring for senior animals. Six of our eight animals are considered seniors, so we are in the middle of the challenges of keeping them all healthy, happy, and reasonably comfortable.

When we choose to bring an animal into our lives as a pet, we see them as they are at that moment in time. Most of the time the are young, vibrant, and reasonably healthy. We make a promise to them in that moment, to take care of them for the rest of their lives. It is a lifelong partnership. When that pet ages and begins to experience normal aging issues – diminished sight, hearing and mobility, incontinence, confusion, and possibly serious medical issues such as hyper/hypothyroidism, diabetes, high blood pressure – suddenly the weight of that lifetime commitment hits us, and we are often saddened and confused by it. We don’t know what to do to help.

We wanted to offer some things that we have found to be helpful with our aging dogs, cats and horses. First and foremost, your vet is a vital resource as you manage the health of an aging animal. Consult with them regularly. Understand that your vet may want to do yearly or semi-yearly checkups and bloodwork, particularly if you pet has high blood pressure, thyroid issues or diabetes, or is on routine medication (for example, pain medication). Communicate and partner with your vet to make sure your pet has an optimal quality of life.

If you pet has decreased mobility issues, take a look at your environment. We have 2 senior dogs – one with severe arthritis, the other with normal neurological aging issues that cause him to lose control of his hind legs at times. We realized our back steps that they use to go into the yard were steep and not very deep, so we replaced them. We have vinyl plank flooring in much of the house, and these dogs were also losing traction. We put in some runner rugs to help them. We found a veterinary chiropractor/acupuncturist

(Dr. Brittany Koether) who comes to the house every other week and treats both of the dogs. She has recommended moderate walking, massage, and stretching programs for both dogs. We also work closely with our regular vet with the arthritic dog to manage his pain using a combination of medications. This may sound like a lot, but both of these dogs are alert, happy, and enjoy their food, naps, and lap time. They are enjoying their lives. One of them is also urinary incontinent, so we have made a game out of putting on his “pants” (belly band). He has “pants” in many colors, so we make a big deal about which one he is wearing – green, blue, polka dots etc. He doesn’t seem to mind a bit.

Older cats can also have issues such as high blood pressure and hyperthyroidism, as well as other issues. Cats will hide what is wrong from us as long as they can, because they are both predator and prey animals. If you see something wrong, it is best to get them to a vet as soon as possible. Like dogs, cats may need to be monitored carefully, and their medications may need to be adjusted until the dosage is correct. We have a cat with both conditions, as well as a digestive issue, and our vet has worked closely with us to find the right medications that he can tolerate.

We have a 31 year old horse who is retired. We have worked hard with our vet and the people we board with to come up with the right diet to keep his weight up. Horses will normally look a bit thinner as they age, because they lose muscle on their topline, sides, and hips. Weight management is key. This horse also reacts to some routine equine vaccinations, so we work cooperatively with our vet to make sure he has the vaccines that he must have, but to eliminate those that he does not need. He does not leave the farm, and has minimal exposure to other horses besides the herd there. Our vet also suggested a supplement to support his overall health, and he is doing well with that. He loves to be brushed and to hang out with people and with the other horses. He is a happy horse. that facilitates traditional veterinary care. The field of physical therapy for animals is also emerging as a helpful tool. Encouraging your older pet to stretch as they are able is also very important. For example, most dogs will stretch (“downward facing dog”) to stretch their shoulders, backs and hips. We have dubbed that “yoga Beau” in our house, and I will get down on the floor in child pose and invite Beau to do “yoga Beau” with me as a game. He loves it, and it gets him to stretch.

This all sounds very expensive, and it is. That is the commitment we make when we take on a lifetime partner, to take care of them to the best of our ability for their entire lives. Anticipate that you may have more costs as your pet ages, and try to plan for it. Bottom line is to do what you are able to do within your financial means, and just love them for exactly who they are.

Thanks from Terri and I and our seniors – Beau, Lukas, Simba, Sophia, Diana, and Rohan.

Spiritual Advising Spiritual Life Coaching Healer Josh Bickers

Helping people take the best possible path in life, clearing traumas and blockages, energy healing, remote healing, energy readings, spiritual consulting.

There are various holistic modalities available to help your aging pet be more comfortable and happy: energy work (eg Healing Touch for Animals, Quantum Touch, Reiki), massage therapy, laser therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic adjustment, Chinese herbs, CBD oils … these can be key supportive care Phone- 513.748.3571 Website- spiritualguidance33.com Email- spiritualguidance33@gmail.com Call, Text or Email for a appointment!