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4Tidings 20HTTP://URANTIA-UAI.ORG JANUARY 2007How The Urantia Book Found Me –The Forgotten PromiseMARIE-LISE RENAUDAssociation Urantia du QuébecTODAY, MY NEIGHBOR, a blue eyedelderly man, saluted me for the firsttime. This nice man, retired, takes amorning and evening stroll with hisdog. Good weather, bad weather, his littleanimal follows him courageously. So, weintroduce each other on a beautiful summerevening; I was in a hurry to go back home,and his little dog, running off to smell thefragrant emanations in this neighborhood,made him wet by the evening dew.It is eleven PM and I am now in bed. Ihad a good day of work; I am lying down,being almost comfortable. I am almostcomfortable, because I am unhappy that Istopped sharing my faith for many years.Alone in my bed, I think of the not toodistant past when friendships were builtand were lost, when love timidly exposeditself, when passions were lived in ecstatichappiness. It is eleven PM and a tear glidesdown my cheek. My soul has been sighingfor more than ten years. What happenedto the beautiful promises made by my LordJesus “And I tell you, ask and you will receive;seek and you will find; knock and the door willbe opened to you.” (Luke 11,9). My twentieswere spent studying the Bible and ministering with my Pentecostal brothers and sisters.We were young and we were many, lovingGod. What wonderful moments I spent inthe presence of all these people passionateabout “The Word.”Then a strong wind came, a wind thatwore me down; a wind of habits; a wind thattroubles and causes us to fall into inferiormaterial temptations.I am alone in my big bed. I lack nothing.I live in a large apartment facing the river. Ihave absolutely marvelous work colleagues.Not feeling good or bad, my soul hasnevertheless been sighing for many years.It is eleven PM and a tear glides down mycheek.I remember all the nights when, beforefalling asleep, I repeated in my soul, forJesus to hear: “It is not your fault.” Howmany times I repeated: “It is not your fault.”How could I make you responsible for ourown choices?But how many times I asked you, asa soul that longs after love: “Talk to me, Iimplore you to talk to me!” Why have youturned away from me? I then thought I hadbeen condemned for some obscure faults,fallen out of His grace, He whom I lovedso much!Remember your promises! How can youleave me in this world where cupidity andlying are omnipresent?The old man with the blue eyes says“hello” to me almost every day now. Thatlook filled with tenderness and serenitycharms me; he is always smiling. One day,he introduces his wife and invites me overfor coffee. We discuss, we sympathize, a newfriendship has just blossomed.Winter has arrived, he must leave mycountry to escape the cold. Mexico’s warmthand sun heal his ailments that are not visibleto my eyes.That morning, before leaving, he lookedat me sipping my coffee. He had in his handsa big blue book The night before, I wasthinking again about those promises thatI had read in the Bible. How many times Iread that Psalm “I will instruct you and showyou the way you should walk, give you counseland watch over you.”(Psalm 32,8).The old man said to me: “I am notbringing this book with me; it is too heavyfor my luggage. And where I am going, I haveaccess to it on the Internet.” He looks at meand smiles one of those tranquil old personsmiles and tells me: “Marie-Lise, return toyour first love! Continue to searchand you will surely find!”My old friend with the blueeyes left two days ago. I am in mybed; it is eleven PM; I open mybig blue book. I leaf through, Ilook, I discover, but how is thispossible? I go back to the “DetailedTable of Contents.” Tears of joynow slide down my cheeks and Iremember these promises of old, “Iwill instruct you and show you theway you should walk, give you counsel andwatch over you.”One night in February 1979, I wasgetting ready to read the Bible and to serve asJesus recommended. One night in February2001, I was getting ready to open a bookcalled “The Urantia Book,” three blue circleswere shown in the middle of the page.Since that night, I learn, I discover,I make new friends and I share my mostprecious possession: “my faith.” Is it possiblethat such a wonderful gift would be givento me? A spirit of praise and adoration risesin me. And that promise from the Book ofPsalms, “I will instruct you.” I had forgottenthat promise!I now live while attaching myself tothis instruction. I am relearning service toothers, because how can we love withoutwanting to serve others?“Jesus taught that service to one’s fellowis the highest concept of the brotherhood ofspirit believers. Salvation should be taken forgranted by those who believe in the fatherhoodof God. The believer’s chief concern shouldnot be selfish desire for personal salvationbut rather the unselfish urge to love and,therefore, serve one’s fellows even as Jesus lovedand served the mortal men.” (UB p.2017)I have been reading The Urantia Book fora short time and already I have an irresistibledesire to do something with my brothers andsisters. There is so much to do! And for thosewho let this love move them, there will notbe any difficulty in finding their ministryin the field that attracts them. The difficultywill be to find a balance between service andsimply living in love!

Tidings 20HTTP://URANTIA-UAI.ORG JANUARY 20075How The Urantia Book Found MeGEORGE A. BILQUEUrantia Brotherhood Association of ArizonaBACK IN THE YEAR 1967, I camehome from a business trip onThanksgiving Eve and arrived fromthe airport at about 10:30 PM. Mydaughter Linda had arrived home earlierwith some student friends, and were seatedin the kitchen dinette having a drink. Ijoined them and became involved in theirdiscussions regarding some esoteric subjectsregarding the ancient societies of Egypt,Peru and Mexico. One of the young ladiesturned to me and said that she thoughtI would be interested in a book called“Urantia”, and I asked her where I couldobtain it. She said that I could get it at theuniversity book store and when I took mydaughter back to Ann Arbor, Michigan onSunday, I went to the store and obtained acopy of the book.When I got back to the house, I immediately started perusing the book andimmediately became completely absorbed.I still remember my amazement and thethrill of discovering this information thatI had been searching for all my life. For thefollowing month my main occupation wasreading Urantia and as I delved deeper anddeeper into the material, I realized thatthis information had to be true. No humanbeing could invent the range, the depth andthe mass of data pertaining to the Universe.I was the type of employee that arrived atwork at 7:00 AM and left about 7:00 PM,but for the month of December I was leavingthe office about 2:30 PM and going homeand reading Urantia until after midnight.I can say without qualification, thatmy first reading of Urantia was one of themost exciting events of my life and I hadsome exciting experiences in two wars, anda business experience with a large corporation. I am now almost 88 years of age and Iam still reading Urantia and am still thrilledto read about the fantastic opportunitiesthat lie ahead. Eons of time in which I canenrich my knowledge, enlarge my senses,enjoy the diversity of service and adventureas I progress through the Universes untilat last I acquire the spiritual qualities thatpermit me to come face to face with Godthe Father.I am deeply indebted to the youngstudent who introduced me to Urantiaand I use every opportunity, without beingobnoxious, to introduce the book to peoplethat I may chance to meet.The Urantia Book has inspired me toexpress some of the thoughts to poetry andI am attaching a poem that I hope you willenjoy. My Musical PrayerDear Lord, in the essence of my being Iknow you.You flow through each of my action, nomatter how trivial.I am an expression of your thoughts madeflesh, exhilaratingwith all of your other beings created by yourunlimited imagination,each of us playing the game of your makebelieve, knowing full well,in the deep soul of our consciousness that weare part of you.And, when the game in over, returning toyou to be rebornin a different form to express your creativespirit anew,exuding joy, delight, exuberance; experiencing the fullgamut of the senses as they explore youruniverse.My soul knows ecstasy in the realization ofits origin,singing lyrical chords of rhapsodic glee,striving to achieve the harmony of yourcomposition,knowing that the song never ends butcontinually expands,interweaving new melodies and rhythms,exhausting the inexhaustible variations ofcombinationsthat exist in the octaves of your heavenlysphere,Each cell of my being knows its place in thescoreand delights to be heard as part of theensemble.My soul sings the chorus of their blendedchord,adding their tone to the melody of lovewhich is life.I am an instrument learning to play itselfso that I can express your music.Each thought of mine is a note that is partof the orchestration that is emerging.Our souls know your love – the spirit thatengenders beauty,spreads joy, banishes gloom, raises hopesand continually strives for perfection.Dear Soul, speak to me though I am deaf.Sing to me though I have no rhythm.Paint for me though my eyes do not see.Some day, my senses will open and I willknow my souland then I will hear and feel and see andunderstand.—George A. Bilque

6Tidings 20HTTP://URANTIA-UAI.ORG JANUARY 2007Workshop Conference,Spiritual Relations and Growth 9,000 Challenge!TJOHANNE SÉGUIN,Vice-president AUQAssociation Urantia du QuébecSUNDAY NOVEMBER 12th, 2006at the Comfort Inn in St-Jerôme,Quebec, a one day workshop conference was held where the themewas “SPIRITUAL RELATIONS ANDGROWTH”. Thirty eight persons hadmade the trip to listen to the presentationsmade by our six speakers.This day required seven weeks of personalinvestment in meetings and preparation byour valiant volunteers to create the requiredgroup cohesion and unity. Each week, theseco-authors of the conference thematic metto study the texts extracted from the U.B.and to ponder collectively. For me, theinstigator of this project, it was a rich andelevating experience without precedent.What joy it was to support the inspirationthat emanated from this group and toparticipate in it!The theme was divided into sub-themeswhich each speaker specifically developed.The first sub-theme on the couple and familymade us understand the fundamental rolefor each protagonist: that woman and manare so different and at the same time socompatible. We realized the repercussions ofthis co-creative association on the happinessof the children and on their future adultbehaviour. We have considered it necessaryto re-establish the family in the forefront ofour talks to raise the level of spiritual life.The second sub-theme is a portrait ofman and of society. We have deepened ourunderstanding of the fact that when manhas spiritual belief, he will bear fruits so asto share them, that the spiritual man has amajor role to play in his environment.As a continuation, two of the oratorsdeveloped their sub-themes on spiritualfraternity. We reflected on the paradigm ofthe part versus the whole, and we rejoicedgreatly to see that individual’s progressbenefited the entire fraternity. We appreciated the unity of spirit, the communionof souls without losing our individuality.Since personal religious experience isthe corner stone of our relation with theFather, we further appreciate any additionalexperiences related to our peers in a spiritof ever renewing tolerance. What generosityfrom our brother when he shares his livingrelation with God!! He mirrors a face ofinfinity that was not accessible to us.The last sub-theme had to do withour relation with God. What a wonderfulway to close the circle! What a privilege tobe endowed with a personality! Th is factcertifies for sure that we can establish arelationship with the Father who is not onlyHE ISB IS PLEASED to report threeanonymous donors are offering UrantiaAssociation International 3000 each, andare challenging us to raise 9,000 to matchtheir gift s! Success will result in 18,000of new and needed cash to support UAIoperations and programs.Th is challenge begins January 1, endsMarch 31, 2007.All donations, restricted for conference and global seeding or operationsunrestricted, received by March 31 will beincluded in the campaign total. Donorsmay use PayPal for electronic donations, butchecks, and money orders should be sent toUrantia Association International at 559 W.Diversey Parkway #351, Chicago, Illinois60614 USA. Contact executive director,James Woodward, for details regardingbank transfer donations from outside theUnited States.Thank you.—Mark KurtzUAI CFOthe source of all personalities, but who alsois PERSONALITY!After dinner, people met again, but thistime in a round table. Each speaker nowbecame a table moderator and guided thediscussions around their respective themesusing the texts extracted from the U.B. thathad been used for their work, all the whilemaintaining respect and love. Afterward,the designated note taker for each tablewent in front of the group and delivered anaccount of the discussions and of their mainpoints. The day closed on these summariesof rich new experiences and, for personally,on a message of SEE YOU SOON FORANOTHER ONE DAY WORKSHOPCONFERENCE!!!

Tidings 20HTTP://URANTIA-UAI.ORGSURF AnnualChristmas PartyPoem #1I wish I could hear you,Even in the half-light of silenceThat fi lls my heart of impatience,Even when the night sighsAnd my eyes restNext to yours, in the distance. JANUARY 20077In Memoriam,Javier HumbertoBerrioI wish I could hear you,Understand you,Yearn with you for the dayWhen my dreamsare not fantasies anymoreAnd truth is infinite.SUSAN OWENs.edowen@earthlink.netSecretary, Southwest Urantia Readers FamilyI wish I could hear you,Even among the voice of my consciousnessAnd the illusions of my mind,Imperfect outlines of my beingThat is reluctant to chase you.I wish I could hear you,Even when the night sighsAnd fantasies are my realityBecause I can’t find the truth.SURF held its annual Christmas partyat the home of Patti Snyder in SantaMonica on Sunday December 10th. With amore central Southern California location,we got to see some old friends we had notseen in awhile and met a few new ones. Pattiwas the consummate hostess providing ahuge turkey with homemade dressing, gravyand a very special Violet cake which was alovely lavender color and tasted delicious.Everyone brought food to share so wewere blessed with a bountiful repast. Afterstuffing ourselves, Jane Ploetz and LarryNeff provided musical accompaniment forsome very hearty Christmas caroling. Thenon to a Yankee Swap gift exchange withlots of gift swapping, fun and laughter. Weall had such a warm and wonderful timetogether – as we always do.SURF sends best wishes to each andevery one of you for many blessings in2007.—Giselle Ramospanda8121@hotmail.comAsociación Urantia de Barranquilla(December 16, 2006)Vice-President,Asociacion Urantia de MedellinDear Javier,URANTIA WAS YOUR starting point;now you have begun your real life, theascending life, to which your mortal statewas but the vestibule. A new life, in whichyou will find an amazing acquisition ofknowledge and self-discovery.Editor’s NoteThe fourth part of the series “Getting ToKnow The Trustees” is being postponedto the February, 2007 issue due to thepassing of Trustee Gard Jameson’s mother.Tidings wishes to express our sinceresympathy to Gard and his family.—Cathy Jones, EditorWe know that he has left a great emptiness in our life, but his memory is alwayswith us, showing us that for every day andsituation there is a smile and a friend.—Asociación Urantia Colombia

8Tidings 20HTTP://URANTIA-UAI.ORG JANUARY 2007Urantia Book Internet SchoolAnnouncement of the January 2007 SemesterSchedule of CoursesTHE URANTIA BOOK INTERNETSCHOOL is presenting four coursesfor the January 2007 Semester, andI’d like to share the “Schedule ofCourses” with you. Recently, as a result ofour “participation and training program”,the UBIS has added three new Teacher/Facilitators to the 2007 schedule. We hopethat many of you will come and join us andperhaps become interested in serving as aT/F sometime in the near future.We hope you will join us in study andfellowship!In friendship,—Dorothy ElderDirector, UBISdelder03@sprynet.comThe Kingdom of HeavenPapers: 141, 142, 170, 196Teacher/Facilitator: Jane PloetzCourse Descriptor: A study of our relationship to God as a reciprocal Father/Sonrelationship.Registration begins on Monday,January 1, on the UBIS website:www.urantiabookschool.orgThe courses begin on Monday,January 15, 2007A Study of the Father-InfiniteThematic Study: Parts I, II and IIIPapers: 1, 10, 56 and 105Teacher/Facilitator: Ray GardiniCourse Descriptor: This course consistsof an exploration of advanced spiritual andphilosophical concepts. Having read theUrantia Book in its entirety, including theconcepts contained in the Foreword, priorto enrolling in this course will better preparethe student to thoughtfully penetrate andappreciate some of the spiritual conceptspresented in this course.”P.6 - §4 The Infinite is used to denotethe fullness--the finality--implied by theprimacy of the First Source and Center. Thetheoretical I AM is a creature-philosophicextension of the “ infinity of will,” but theInfinite is an actual value-level representingthe eternity-intension of the true infinity ofthe absolute and unfettered free will of theUniversal Father. This concept is sometimesdesignated the Father-Infinite. The four courses are:The Lucifer RebellionPart II and IIIPapers: 53, 54, 66 and 67Teacher/Facilitator: Maxl BuchananC ou r s e D e s c r ip t or : A s t u d y ofLanonandek Sons, the causes and themesof the rebellion, and the resulting effectsupon Urantia and its peoples. then andnow.Crisis at CapernaumPart IVPapers: 152,153, 154 and 155Teacher/Facilitator: Rick LyonCourse Descriptor: The time periodof two and a half months covered in thesepapers is perhaps the most tumultuousperiod in the life of Jesus and the Apostles.These papers reveal the crisis that initiatedthe final year of the Master’s life on earth,a transition from the period of discussionand controversy to that of final acceptanceor rejection of Jesus and his teachings.Urantia Brotherhood Association ofArizona Elects New BoardTOBY FOXtobyfox1@netzero.comSecretary-Treasurer, UBAAThe UBAA met at the home of JudythShamosh on December 3, 2006. Itwas voted unanimously to amend theUBAA by-laws in order to combine theoffice of Treasurer with Secretary and tocombine the office of President with thatof Membership Chairman.Judyth Shamosh was congratulated andthanked for her service as president since2003. It was voted unanimously to wipethe slate clean concerning old dues and tostart the new year with no past dues on thebooks. It was voted unanimously to set theminimum yearly dues to 15 ( 5 for UBAA, 5 for UAUS and 5 for InternationalUrantia Association).New officers were nominated and votedin, to serve for the next two years:P r e s i d e n t- M e m b e r s h i p C h a i r :Catherine Jones - cthjon@aol.comVice President: Michael Maddocks- smikeymao@cableaz.comSecretat y-Trea surer: Toby Fox tobyfox1@netzero.comMembers discussed “How can we makethis group stronger” and “How can we bestrecruit new members?”The meeting was followed by a delicious pot-luck lunch and an afternoon offellowship. The next meeting will be April1, 2007, featuring two presentations fromThe Urantia Book.

HTTP://URANTIA-UAI.ORG Tidings 20 JANUARY 2007 3 Two fairs: top, at the fair of “I Am” and bottom, fair of “Spirit and Knowledge” Presentation of The Urantia Book in Frankfurt, Germany at the bigges