JULY NEWSLETTER 2024 A message to Spiritists: WHO IS A SPIRITIST? Spirit communication received by Yvonne Crespo Limoges A person may be a “Spiritist” without even knowing it. If they believe in the immortality of the soul; its need for myriad existences within material worlds; the intelligence that one must practice love and goodness; and, through these, they believe the soul evolves in its highest and most pure form. These are the basic tenets of what the Spiritist Doctrine teaches. Look beyond names and labels. Look at the essence of things! Search for the common ideas that will eventually bind all of humanity within ONE Universal Belief that is supported with facts because they are laws of nature. Science and religion and philosophy will be one! However, since the world is full of diverse peoples, each with their own cultures and backgrounds, there will be different terminologies, different methods, different practices, but all backed and supported by a base which is strong and true because it comes from the Creator. What will matter are the basic tenets and sincere intent! Look for similarities amongst those who have the basics of the knowledge of reincarnation; we in the spirit world encourage tolerance, compassion, and forming alliances, all working towards a common goal which is the moral and spiritual transformation of the people of the earth. Practice inclusion, not exclusion. These will save humanity! The spirit world in unity, directs its thoughts, energies and impressions to all humanity in a way so as they can assimilate them. The Creator sends the message of LOVE to all. We instruct humanity in order for it to progress. All we ask is for your sincere and compassionate efforts in helping us by instructing those around you regarding the realities of life; to answer their questions regarding personal struggles, perceived inequalities and what appear to be random catastrophes. There is so much fear in the world; fear of life and death. Blind faith is now not enough for mankind to support the trials of material life! The time has come for the expansion of the knowledge you call “Spiritism” that explains natural spiritual realities and the laws of the Creator. 2 Spiritist Society of Florida, July Newsletter 2024 DEATH – A NATURAL TRANSITION Written by José Manuel Meseguer The phenomenon of death is something that will invariably overtake us all one day, since it is something natural, it should not evoke negative or gloomy thoughts, although this depends largely on each person's preconceptions and beliefs. Much has been written and debated about it and it is something that inspires a lot of respect and fear… Could it be human beings, in its evolutionary progress have turned it into an unnatural process? It is obvious that the instinct of preservation imposes on us a wise and natural way to protect ourselves from death. Under normal conditions, no one wants to die; however, this should not prevent us from reflecting on it. In that sense, traditional religions have not helped much, offering a rather illusory, vague and very unclear image of death [heaven, hell, purgatory]; and, instead of preparing the groundwork to face this inevitable fact well, on the contrary, it fills many believers with doubts and enormous uncertainty. Nor has science throughout history had the facility to investigate death, independently or objectively. Under very strong religious and social pressure, it was forced to ignore it for centuries; except for some brave researchers [thank goodness even nowadays], but for most of them [scientists], death is our end. Human beings should not focus exclusively on issues that concern physical and material life. We are always very busy; our minds are filled with thoughts regarding the issues of the day; it is what we have been trained to automatically do on a daily basis. However, it has not always been this way. If we review history, we can easily see how the higher spirits, aware of the needs of a spiritually immature humanity, transferred to its emissaries, the great prophets, the need to dedicate time, during the week to rest (from harsh daily tasks) to dedicate time to contemplation of the Creator and to spiritual life… This is what practically all religions [Western and Eastern] have done since time immemorial, creating time and spaces for religious/spiritual gatherings, offerings, prayers, meditations, songs, etc. Times have changed, and in what was another era considered sufficient to fulfill the spiritual aspirations of the being is no longer sufficient for the majority. Yet, science and technology have made our lives easier and we have free time like never before. However, we hardly dedicate time to cultivating our spiritual interior, especially to becoming aware of the temporary nature of our physical existence. So, once and awhile, take some time to contemplate on death. Instead of diminishing us, it should enhance the present, our desire to live fully, and grow morally. The Spiritist viewpoint [based on spirit teachings] offers tranquility, peace and security about the future that awaits us all. It teaches from a logical and rational point of view that death is not the end of life, only the biological phenomenon stops, the spirit continues uninterruptedly. The more one understands this, our anguish decreases, replacing fragility caused by uncertainty, with security that awaits without fear, attaining serenity, with hope. Indeed, death completes the physical cycle: the body is born, develops and dies, in an irreversible process no matter how much we want to ignore it. It is part of the transience of physical life, and this occurs when least expected. Prepare yourself every day, as if it were your last day on Earth. Eventually…the day will come when death will be observed as the end of a profitable journey and to begin a new one, full of peace and joy. We are travelers with a path laid out, with a journey through the different learning stations, in the direction of perfection, to final happiness. (Excerpts of article dated 4/21/2021 by the Spiritual Studies Association Villena Group in Alicante, Spain website: www.amorpazycaridad.es and translated and edited by Yvonne. C. Limoges) 3 Spiritist Society of Florida, July Newsletter 2024 MEDITATE By Julie L. Harper To meditate is to quietly sit while in an open and calm state of mind. A meditative practice of tranquil listening allows for better perspectives. In silence, wisdom may arise from your own now clearer thoughts, or your spirit guide, or even other helping spirits.  Regardless of their origin, elevated thoughts can arise, and better decision making can result. Further, the practice of meditation can strengthen inner peace and spiritual alliance.  IS LIFE PASSING BY TOO FAST? Inspirationally received by Yvonne Crespo Limoges Daily work and chores, appointments, meetings, and on and on; it seems like one day blends into another. Yet, did we get anything productive accomplished? Were they priorities? The SMART PHONE; scrolling and scrolling, one to three hours later, we ask ourselves, “where did all the time go?!?” If we are always in a rush, busy ALL the time, can we truly make prudent, caring and conscientious decisions, especially ones that may have a great impact on our lives? How can we direct ourselves to what is most important if we are reacting to life instead of taking purposeful and thoughtful actions? It is very difficult! So, we must take control of our lives and our time, and not let circumstances completely dictate what and where we go and do. We are the only ones who can STOP ourselves; to silence our minds, take a break from the rushing around and “noise” of our hectic material lives. Whether it be through meditation (in its various practices), just sitting silently, taking a leisurely walk in nature, listening to soothing or cheerful music, being in thoughtful prayer, resting your mind and body in perfect silence, or similar activities... all have known health benefits; and they help relax the body and nourish the soul. As spirits, a quiet rest of the mind and body opens up the soul to beneficial thoughts, intuitions and inspirations that help us during the struggles of life. Your efforts will be worth it! WE CHOSE WHAT WE NEEDED Spirit Communication received by Yvonne Crespo. Limoges Sometimes what we want in life, even when we strive for it (no matter positive thinking or our efforts) it does not come to pass. Unfulfilled expectations! Yet, it is because we CHOSE our path, for prior to reincarnating we decided what we truly needed for our soul to progress in this particular lifetime. We realized upon reviewing our past lives (while in the spirit world), that different experiences (the good and the difficult) expand our knowledge, and our ability to have love and compassion, which enriches our soul. However, positive thoughts and efforts of goodness do not go unrewarded. Good spirits assist us in our trials and tribulations by providing beneficial spiritual sustenance for us to better able support what we have to go through in life. We are never alone in suffering.    Don’t be discouraged; there is a just cause for the circumstances of your life. Also, remember you have had a myriad of past lives where you have done numerous things already, and innumerable future lives are still before you! The Divine laws are perfect. Those who understand this and believe it, find strong faith and great solace. 4 Spiritist Society of Florida, July Newsletter 2024 THE SPIRITS TELL US WHY Written by Yvonne Crespo Limoges So many people in life feel they have many burdens, in one way or another, and wonder why they have them. Many have very heavy loads. With life’s struggles, many become resentful of their own personal afflictions, or the frustration in dealing with children or young adults, or the burdens of caring for disabled or elderly relatives and/or friends. We must always remember WE CHOSE to reincarnate into this world knowing ahead of time what our own personal struggles would be, and, who we would be with, certainly family members and close friends, because it was best for our spirits to be together to work out our moral progress. In order to do so, much atonement and making of amends are needed to and from each one. At spirit communications sessions, the spirits come to tell us they suffered much in our world, but reveal they deserved it because they had caused much harm to others. Each spirit comes with their own story of pain and anguish. Some come with great remorse. What type of amends they were to make are reflected in the types of suffering and struggles they went through, in helping those whom they had harmed greatly in past lifetimes, and sometimes it is reflected in the manner in which they died. So, those who feel love and responsibility but yet feel burdened by another, possibly in another lifetime harm or neglect was involved, but amends were promised. Even more difficult are those where one is dealing with ungratefulness. Yet alas, amends must eventually be made all the same; whether in this life or another. However, the spirits who fulfilled their promises tell us what a relief they feel to have a clear conscience by having paid their debts, it now opens up for them a much happier future and better spiritual horizons. Past life wrongful acts affect the present one; we are working out the effects of our indiscretions. Let’s try to live better lives now, for a happier future. BOOK: ACTS THAT PROVE – Causes of Human Sufferings from the Perspective of Reincarnation - Translated by Yvonne Limoges Inside are examples of spirits relaying their stories of wrongdoing in past lives, and which return to earth out of love - to make amends and for redemption, and the spiritual progress of their souls. (Book compiled by Amalia Domingo Soler; 42 chapters; available on Amazon.com) PRAYER FOR THOSE WE LOVE You who were so dear to us in this world, please listen to my voice who calls to offer anew our pledge of affection. You were liberated before us and we cannot complain about this without being selfish, because this would be equal to wishing that you be still subject to the sufferings of material life. So, wait with resignation for the moment of our reunion in that happier world, where you have arrived before us. I know that this separation is only temporary, and that however long it may appear to be, its duration is nothing compared to the blessed spiritual eternity promised to us. How sweet and consoling is the certainty that there is nothing between us but a material veil which hides you from our sight! That you can even be here at our side, hear us speak as of old, or perhaps even better, to know that you do not forget us, as we do not forget you; that our thoughts are constantly intermingling, and that your thoughts accompany us and uphold us. We love you, our prayers are with you, and may peace be with you always. AMEN ************************************ Edited by Yvonne Crespo Limoges, Director Email: ylimoges@aol.com Society of Florida (est. 1982) 5042 22 Avenue North St. Petersburg, Florida 33710 Website: www.spiritistsocietyfl.com