A Spirit Trip

By Maria 3575 10/05

GN 1162 FD/MM/FM / Feast 2006

(Note: This GN can be read with your children, if you wish. It can either be read unitedly as a Home, or in smaller groups‚ or can be done as an activity for the children with the provision that adults can join in if they would like to. However you decide to do it‚ the person leading the meeting or group activity should read the full Letter ahead of time so that they can be prepared with the various snacks, activities, slip of paper and pencil or pen for each person, etc., which are a part of this spirit trip. The setup of the room should be comfortable, with nice ambient lighting. Have fun!)

Dearest Family,

1. Are you all having a restful time during this Feast? I pray you are, and that you're enjoying all the wonderful treasures of the spirit that our dear Love has blessed us with.

2. He has another special gift for us—a spirit trip that we can all enjoy together! How are all you kids doing? Are you comfortable? I'm so glad you can be here with us for this one. It's going to be fun!

3. To get ready for this spirit trip, we need to enter into the spirit. So let's start with a few rousing songs and praises to Jesus‚ so that when He comes to take us into another dimension, we'll be ready to go!

(Pause here and have some songs, get-out-of-yourself style, and some praises to Jesus. Keep singing and praising until you're all united in the spirit and ready to take off on this trip!)

4. (Jesus: ) My wonderful Family‚ I love each of you so much and am so happy to be able to spend this time together with you. I want you to know that I'm going to be there with you in your Home for this little activity. Save Me a seat, because I'm really going to be there in spirit joining in on this!

5. This little heavenly spirit trip is just one of many billions of trips I have available. The options and opportunities for exploration here are endless, and whenever you want to go on a little heavenly expedition, just claim My keys of discovery and full possession and let Me whisk you away!

6. Not every step in each trip is a full, meat–of-the-Word experience. There might be light snacks here and there, some trail mix, a little berry-picking or even daisy-picking that gets a little off the subject, but it's all for your enjoyment, pleasure, and edification, and the Word jewels are scattered throughout each trip, waiting for you to discover and collect them. So although mostly fun, there is something to be fed by and gained from each spirit trip.

7. So walk down this path now, My loves. Enjoy the journey and focus your mind's eye on the descriptions, and you will be truly entering into My presence and experiencing these things in the spirit.

8. (Mama:) If you'd like to, close your eyes and listen as the channel describes what she saw, and you'll be able to see the pictures too. That's how it will probably be the most fun, is if you can see the pictures too—which you can, if you'll close your eyes and listen carefully and ask Jesus to show them to you.

9. (Channel:) I close my eyes now, waiting for the trip to begin. I'm in a dark room. It's empty except for a spinning, revolving door-like portal in the center. There are others in the room with me, and there are hushed whispers of excitement and discussion. It seems like people are deciding amongst themselves which spirit trip they'd like to go on, and I can feel the buzz of anticipation in the air. It's like it's Christmastime, and everyone can't wait to get their turn to choose their adventure and enter their portal.

10. The revolving object reminds me somehow of a multi–tool knife, like those Swiss army knives with all the different options. As the object turns, silver blade-like mirrors open up outward from the bottom and then close again. In each silver mirror a different scene is visible‚ and along with the scene, you can also see yourself as you would be dressed in that scene. The mirrors open and shut very quickly, and at the same time other mirrors are simultaneously opening and shutting, while the entire portal is turning. There are endless mirrors—endless options. It seems like there wouldn't be any time to get a good look at any scene, but somehow I do.

11. The revolving portal, while looking like a fantastic, complicated piece of machinery, somehow also seems alive. I notice it reads my thoughts, and now that it's my turn to choose my adventure, it has narrowed down the choices to the ones that it knows I find most interesting. I only have five to choose from now. I'm still not sure what to pick.

12. I open my eyes for a moment and ask the Lord to show me which one is the right one, and the first thing I see is a little ornate wooden chest on my desk that I was given as a gift. It seems to belong perfectly in one of the scenes I was drawn to. I close my eyes again, and the portal stops spinning and pauses at the appropriate scene. I step in and enter.

13. I'm standing at the large gate of a giant castle. The wooden doors tower high above—they must be 20 feet high. There is a corded bell. I pull on it. It clangs, and I wait.

14. (Jesus: ) Welcome to the Castle of Meditation. It has high, thick walls that block out outside noise and distraction and allow you to quietly reflect, connect with Me, and find answers when you need them. It is here for you whenever you feel like entering into My presence. Feel free to roam the long‚ quiet halls, explore the rooms, and find secret doorways and passages where hidden treasures lie.

15. Let Me introduce you to Arnam. I've appointed him keeper of the castle. He'll be your guide today.

16. (Channel:) An older man with white hair appears in a small sliding window opening in one of the giant doors. Only his face is visible through the opening, but he smiles and seems friendly. I wonder how he's going to get the gate open. I'm sure he's not weak, since he's a spirit, but still my human perception wonders if he's not too weak to open those giant doors.

17. He slides the window shut, and I hear a clanging of locks on the other side and creaking wood. Then a smaller door-within-a-door—which wasn't visible before—opens on the left side of the giant gate. It's just large enough for a person to get through crouched over. I bend down and go through. It's a tight squeeze and a bit uncomfortable, but then I'm through and within the castle walls.

18. (Arnam:) The gates to the Castle of Meditation at first seem large and impenetrable. Sometimes you might not feel like taking the time to ring the bell to get through. The small opening represents how difficult it is to get started with your time with the Lord. The Enemy likes to make it seem very hard. You have to crouch down, humble yourself, and go through a tight space. But then once you're through, a victory is won—you've entered the Lord's presence. Welcome to the Castle of Meditation. Let me show you around.

19. (Channel: ) We walk through a beautiful courtyard. The ground is paved with large flat pieces of beige sandstone, seamlessly fitting together. I wonder aloud how so many pieces of various shapes and sizes could fit so well together, so that not even a stray weed can grow between two stones.

20. (Arnam:) Just like in your Homes and teams‚ when you pray, the Lord supplies the pieces that fit to make a perfect team. It was our job to ask Him where each one went and put the puzzle together. Of course, it wasn't a seamless fit at first. There was some adjusting‚ a bit of chiseling in many cases. But with time and persistence‚ we've gotten a perfect fit.

21. (Channel:) We walk through the inside doors to enter the castle and shut them behind us, and I'm immediately struck by one thing—the quiet. There is a wonderful peace and silence in the halls. Arnam offers to take me and the other visitors first to the dining room, where there are refreshments waiting. The tables are laid with an assortment of dried and fresh fruits and nuts‚ and we sit down to enjoy them.

(Pause here to pass around a plate of some dried or sliced fruit and nuts.)

22. (Arnam:) First things first. You can't very well enjoy the Castle of Meditation on an empty stomach. Well, sometime the Lord might ask you to postpone a meal for Word time's sake. But usually it's best to get physically comfortable to an extent in order to have quality time with Him. Of course, don't get too comfortable…

23. (Channel:) Arnam notices some of us sitting in our plush, velvet-backed chairs resting our heads back and beginning to get sleepy. He quickly suggests that we all begin our tour of the castle.

(Pause, and have everyone trade seats to keep everyone awake.)

24. (Channel: ) The first stop is the giant throne room. It has long panels of polished wood lining the floor. On the walls are beautiful works of tapestry and art. The ceiling is high, and as I look up, I notice that the ceiling is made of rows of vaulted brick domes that reach up even higher, and all this with only a few beams of support. I wonder what the framework is behind the bricks that hold it all up, and how it was constructed in the first place.

25. Arnam explains to us that each brick first had to be cut into the right shape for them to fit properly, and then, instead of laying the bricks on the ceiling from the inside of the castle‚ the bricks were laid from the outside on top of a support frame which stood inside the castle. The bricks were laid tightly and the pressure of each one against the other helped give each dome its support. Then‚ once all the domes were complete and reinforcements were in the crucial places‚ the supports were removed, and the beautiful ceiling stood as it does now.

26. It seems a little backwards to me—the way the ceiling domes were built—but then I remember that sometimes the most beautiful of God's creations are formed in unusual ways. Take a look at a butterfly and its cocoon, a rainbow breaking out after rain, a diamond born amidst the crushing press of stone, and even a loving and humble soul born through brokenness, adversity, and trial.

27. All throughout the throne room are little nooks and crannies, little places of refuge and retreat—a seat built into a sunny windowsill, a corner near the fireplace, a couch fitted into a niche in the wall. These are little spots of meditation where we can commune with the Lord. We each find the spot that appeals to us most, and take a minute to praise and spend time with the Lord.

(Pause for a minute of silent prayer and communion time with Jesus.)

28. Arnam takes us down the hall to visit the other rooms. There are many rooms, each one having its own appeal. Some are simple and sparsely furnished, but comfortable; others are plush and luxuriously outfitted. Some have large windows that were designed to spread light throughout the room; others are darker, and lit only with candlelight. In each place there are people having quiet time with Jesus in their hearts, resting and being strengthened by their communion with Him.

29. Next we are led to a large dressing room area. There are maids and menservants waiting to help us. We each stand behind a little cordoned-off partition that reaches to our necks, and our helpers open trunks and pull out new clothes for us to wear.

30. I'm not sure I want to change my clothes. And when I look at the others over the tops of the partitions, I see some of them aren't either. But when I see that the new clothes seem so clean and much more comfortable, I yield, and my old dirty clothes just fall off. I raise my hands and the new clothes are slipped over my head and fall into place and fit me perfectly. I'm wearing a long dress, with a full skirt with a sash that ties at the waist in the back. It's different than what I was wearing before—it's plainer and simpler—but it's much nicer and more comfortable.

31. (Jesus:) To enter into My presence you have to take off the garments of worldliness and pride and put on the garments of humility. This isn't a physical change of clothing, of course; it's a spiritual mindset you have to take on. Praise is the best way to humble yourself in order to get closer to Me. Lift up your hands together now and let Me hear your praises. As you do, I will slip the garments of humility over your heads, and your old garments of pride will come off and be whisked away.

(Pause for a minute to raise arms and praise the Lord.)

32. (Arnam:) Now you're ready to explore this castle for yourself! There's so much to be discovered—secret doors, peepholes and hidden rooms, rooms with spectacular views, but best of all, there is a particular place somewhere in this castle that is especially designed to be your spot to meditate and take time with the Lord. It's perfectly made just for you, and it can be a treasure hunt to find it.

33. (Channel:) We all run off to find our meditation spots, and we have such fun walking through the huge castle and discovering new things. There are countless rooms—sitting areas, bedrooms, libraries, porches, and little cubbyholes everywhere.

34. I find my meditation spot quickly, and there's no doubt in my mind it was created especially for me. It's up a spiral staircase leading to a tower room. There are windows on all sides and I can see beautiful countryside far out in all directions. There is a rocking chair with a matching rocking ottoman, and it's so comfortable. I spend most of the day there reading, meditating, and talking with the Lord‚ all the while enjoying His creation.

35. (Jesus:) I can help each of you to find special places where you can commune with Me, if you ask Me to show you. Often‚ though, the locations aren't so special or convenient, and your only option will be your bedroom or a quiet spot you can find. In those cases, don't worry or feel it's not special. I love to spend time with you any time, any place. If you want, when beginning your Word times, ask Me to transport you in spirit to your special spot in the Castle of Meditation, and I will make your time of communion with Me even more restful, fulfilling, and strengthening.

36. (Channel:) It's nearing the time to leave, and Arnam, our guide, has come to each of us in our respective spots and is offering us a refreshing snack—some crackers with cheese. As I'm eating some, he tells me to come downstairs—that he has something special to show us before we have to leave.

(Pass around a plate of toasted bread or crackers with cheese, or an acceptable local substitute.)

37. (Channel:) We're all following Arnam down some candlelit stairs into the lower part of the castle. He tells us that many treasures are kept down here. Some would be considered earthly treasures, and some are just treasures to those who would find special value in certain objects. Everything, however—he relates—is a unique and rare item.

38. We're standing in a wine cellar now. It's cooler down here, and a little damp‚ but we don't feel cold. The new clothes that we have on seem to heat us when we're cold, or cool us when we're feeling hot.

39. Arnam stops in a corner of the cellar, and pulls a bottle of wine out a little, and turns another bottle ninety degrees clockwise. I watch him‚ wondering what he's doing, and then realize he's opening a series of hidden latches that open a secret door. Finally, he scoots a crate of bottles over a few inches, and suddenly there's a springing sound, and what looked like a wall lined with old crates begins to turn on hidden hinges and opens just wide enough for a person to get through. Through the opening I see stone steps that lead to a large chamber below.

40. In this chamber are countless chests of many varieties. Some are rustic and wooden, similar to the one on my desk; others are made of metal, wicker, or covered in beautiful fabric. Some are decorated with bronze rings and latches, and others are covered in jewels, intricate embroidery, or carvings. No two are the same, and each one is special in some way. They're all beautiful.

41. We're each drawn to our own chest, somehow knowing which one was meant for us. My chest has a rounded top, which is covered with a deep red velvet fabric, embroidered along the edge with golden silk thread. Arnam tells us to reach into our pockets—in which has been placed the key of faith. We have to have faith to insert and turn the key and open the lock to receive this gift that Jesus is giving us.

42. I reach into my pocket and pull out a small, simple key and put it into the lock. It turns easily, and I open the lid and look inside. Amidst soft folds of cream–colored satin lie a few simple objects. I see a silver slinky, a small blue flashlight, and a small, delicate ivy plant in a pot. Everyone has different things in their chests, but they are gifts to us—things that will help us during the times we spend with Jesus.

43. (Arnam: ) These are gifts for your use that will help you in your time of communion with the Lord. These objects are symbols, with each representing something you can focus your mind's eye on when you need help in your Word, praise‚ prayer, or any other times you spend with the Lord. Remember them, and picture them in your mind, and they will help you to keep your focus during these times.

44. (Channel:) As I pick up the objects and examine them, Jesus tells me what each object represents. As I play with the slinky in my hand, He tells me that it's to remind me of my connection with Him. I can be close or stretch way far away, but no matter what, I'll still be His. When I let the slinky go back and forth between my hands, I notice that when the slinky stays in a tight coil, it moves quickly and easily, but when I let it get stretched out, it becomes more difficult to control and moves much more slowly. This means that if I stay close to Jesus all the time‚ it'll be easier and quicker to do His will, and when I stray away, it becomes harder to operate.

45. The blue flashlight represents the storing of Word in my heart, and will help me in my memory and review. It reminds me that even when things get dark, I'll have my own light to keep things bright, and I'll be able to see my way through troubled times. If I'm faithful to hide the Word in my heart and review‚ I'll keep those batteries charged, and my flashlight will never go out.

46. The ivy plant represents my gift of prophecy. Jesus tells me that it takes faithful care, watering, fertilizing, and maintaining to keep my gift of prophecy growing and alive. I need to follow the steps He's given to make sure that I have a good, healthy plant. It's not just a gift that's given once and then it stays perfect forever. I have to water it through practicing, asking Him how to stretch and in what ways‚ and what Word fertilizer to give the plant so it stays green and growing.

47. (Jesus: ) I want each of you to close your eyes now and take a look inside your treasure chest. There are one or more gifts there for each of you that will act as symbols, painting a word picture—things that will help you, or remind you, or give you a boost in your times with Me. Later, you can each ask Me what these objects represent. I have something different for each of you—something personalized that will work just for you.

(Pause for a minute, to let the Lord show or speak to everyone what their gifts might be. Everyone can write down their gifts on a little piece of paper for their personal reference, to make it easy for them to remember to ask the Lord later.)

48. (Channel:) It's time to go now. We each leave our gifts in our trunks. We can come back to the Castle of Meditation anytime we want and look inside our treasure chests. Arnam tells us that sometimes we'll find new gifts in there from Jesus, with new word pictures that will help us. We can always come back to our chests when we need a boost in our times with the Lord. He has all the secrets of success to faithful, quality time with Him and His Word.

49. I say goodbye to Arnam and step back through the portal, and then I'm back in the dark room with the shining, spinning portal in front of me‚ watching others waiting for their turn to step through for a trip of their own. I can't wait for next time‚ when I can come back for more.

50. (Jesus:) Come back any time for more spirit trips and peeks into the supernatural. I love to take you on adventures and give you a glimpse of Heaven and the spirit world. There are so many more sights and sounds waiting to be discovered. I'll be your guide anytime. I love you!

51. (Mama:) Thank You, Jesus, our wonderful Shepherd, for those good lessons and pictures that we can remember to help us grow in our relationship with You. We love Your spirit trips and surprises, Jesus! Help us to be more faithful to come to You and get quiet and still enough to let You show us things. We want to learn all that we can and keep receiving from You as much as You want to give us!

52. Peter and I love you‚ our sweet Family! As you give each other hugs and kisses to close the meeting, give some of them as from us, because we wish we were there to hug and kiss each of you!

53. Sometime in the next few days, you could consider having a devotions where everyone shares portions of what they received from Jesus about what's in their treasure chests. Or you could devote a dinner table conversation to it one night, or whatever would work best for you. The important thing is to do it, so that you can fully benefit from this little revelation of the spirit. If some of you kids want to send me what you get from Jesus about your gifts, I would love to read them! (Don't forget to put a little about yourself, including your name and age, your parents' names, and the Home and country you live in.)

54. I love you all so much. Have a good sleep and peaceful rest‚ in the power of the keys!

Love, Mama

Art by Tamar