Untitled

Chapter Forty Six

The weeks seemed to fly by. Bernice's first benefit was successful beyond expectation. Sandra delighted in participating. Answering phone calls from celebrities was the highlight for her. Christine's and Sandra's pregnancies were advancing with Sandra three months ahead of Christine. They remained roommates and became good friends.
Twelve-hour days attending to the affairs of the house kept Lisa busy. The house quickly filled to capacity with teen girls, two of them with infants.
Ben and Louise came often to visit their young niece. In the process, close friendships with Lisa, Bernice, and other inhabitants of the house developed.
Ricky and Sharlet continued their real estate search for the ideal place for another girls' home, as Bernice was still weighing it as another option. Their visits became more frequent and they joined this circle of friends to become ardent supporters of the cause.

Brought together by an unusual twist of fate on the cruise ship Sunbeam, the members of this unlikely group became good friends. They decided unanimously that they would remain so for a long time to come, as they all celebrated Thanksgiving together in the Chandler mansion.
Doctor Clifford Summers was the special guest at this holiday celebration and had the seat of honor at the large Chandler dining room table. Separate tables had been set out on the back patio deck to accommodate the rest of the girls. For some of them it would be their first Thanksgiving dinner in a pleasant home environment.
The French doors leading from the dining room to the patio were open. And upon invitation from Bernice, Ben stood and recited Thanksgiving blessings, loud enough for all to hear. Grateful heads bowed in reverence. Every person at the tables had much to be thankful for on this day and took this opportunity to express it in their own private thoughts.
Bernice's mind, however, was preoccupied with her one regret. She had not heard from Sarah or John Jr. She thought of her grand children. 'Oh Lord,' she prayed silently, 'I miss my family so. Help me to find the courage to face them.' In that instant, she felt an impression well up from deep within.
"The remaining void in your heart will be filled because your pain has finally stifled your stubborn ego." 'Tomorrow I'll call' she resolved.
"Bernie. Bernie you can pick your head up, the blessing's over." She lifted her head in embarrassment. Lisa smiled understandingly. Intuitively, she knew where her friend's mind had wandered.

The following day found Bernice, Lisa, Christine, and Doc Summers out on the veranda enjoying the afternoon sunshine. Because of her experiences on the trip to California and the ever present desire to find her father, by whatever means possible, Christine summoned the courage to question the Doctor.
"Doctor Summers, can I ask you a question?"
"Of course you can," he said, looking curiously at the young pregnant girl. "Lisa says you can send and receive mental messages to people. Can anyone learn how?"
"I see," he said turning his attention to Lisa. "And I suppose she has told you of my personal experiences and ideas on the subject.
Lisa's face blushed in embarrassment. "I didn't think that you..."
"That I wouldn't mind," he interrupted with a chuckle. "On the contrary, I desire that you share those stories with anyone at any time. For that is one way the revelations of this and the coming age are being imparted to the people of the world."
Lisa had expected this response, but smiled in relief anyway.
"I will answer your question, Christine, as best I can in as simple of terms as I can conjure."
Christine settled back in her lounge chair with one hand folded over the other on her noticeably larger stomach. She was honored that the distinguished doctor would address her personally.
"OK then," he said, moving his chair closer to the three women, who were all interested in what he had to say. "It's easiest for me to begin at the point of initiation. When that microscopic drop of sperm penetrates the egg laying in wait, BANG, conception take place."
They all laughed at the humorous way he put it. Christine smiled shyly and Lisa playfully patted her on the head.
"Now," continued the doctor, "everything that is needed to form a perfect human being is contained in this tiny fertilized egg. Everything, every limb, every finger and toe, every organ, and every tooth and hair that will show up later. It's amazing," he emphasized.
"But what you probably don't know, is that the unseen, undetectable soul and mind potential are also there; included in the genes, or genetic makeup. Through examining the DNA structure within a human cell, scientists can now interpret much about the body's physical characteristics.
"What they can't see is the spiritual part. It's there, though. As sure as your basic five senses, I guarantee you, it is there!" He was quite explicit on this point and wanted it taken as such. Lisa and Bernice had a good idea of what he was leading up to but Christine was confused.
"Now let me explain further," he said, sending a wink in Christine's direction. "We're all far enough along in our thinking or grounded in our religion to know we have a soul part, or spirit, that leaves the physical body at death, don't we?" They nodded in agreement. "So next we have to ask ourselves, what was it doing all the time we were alive?
"I contend that it is the essence of our subconscious wherein, among other attributes, lies the latent potential to experience psychic phenomena. This includes the phenomena we define as extrasensory perception, or ESP as it is commonly called. ESP is an insight of knowing or receiving information without the use of our five senses: seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling and touching. On many occasions, Lisa and I have discussed the various aspects of the innate qualities of ESP, but I will confine this discussion to the aspect of your present interest.

"Telepathy, the ability to communicate mind-to-mind or read another's thoughts, has been around for thousands of years. If you read the Bible carefully you will see that Jesus and many prophets before him exercised it, as well as other psychic or categories of the supernatural.
"I believe that certain primitive cultures before them may have also been endowed with these gifts. In fact, one of these so-called primitive cultures, that still exists today, depends on it as casually as we depend on our five senses.
"I am referring to specific tribes of Aborigines living in the outback regions of Australia. There are very few people who have been privileged to travel with the Aborigines on their 'walk-abouts,' which are walking excursions into the most desolate parts of the country.
"Reportedly, an Aboriginal tribe will walk for miles without speaking, yet still communicate telepathically. In the case of one American visitor, this was only discovered after she realized they were reading her thoughts.
"She also noticed that even when scattered about, they would all change the direction of their march without the benefit of verbal command. This convinced her that they predominantly communicated telepathically. This capability is of particular value to them when it is necessary to communicate with scouts several miles away. Also it avoids wasting precious energy talking while trying to survive in a harsh environment. Actually, you could consider it essential to their survival.
"Additionally, I think it is possible that primitive tribes still inhabiting the Amazon jungles and unexplored regions of Africa may also posses these capabilities. No one seems to care, though. Unfortunately, as these people come in contact with civilized society, and I use the term 'civilized' loosely, they soon become exploited to the extent of eventual extinction."
This last sentence caused Doc Summers' eyes to momentarily glare in anger. He was particularly sensitive to issues regarding man's persistent inhumane behavior.
"Now then," he said, taking a deep breath. "I believe that, perhaps, at one time during the evolution of man, he possessed telepathic capabilities as well as other innate ESP characteristics. But because of the lustful, greedy, power hungry, war-like attitudes he chose to embrace somewhere along the line, he lost them through a process of reverse evolution.
"In other words, he lost the multisensory benefits that some Aboriginal tribes still retain. Think about it; could it be any other way? It was a matter of survival of the species."
"I don't get it," said Christine, looking bewildered.
"Christine, could you imagine what it would be like if people could read each others minds at will. It would be utter chaos. You're from New Jersey. Lets say you went for a walk downtown and people could read each other's thoughts. I guarantee that women would be slapping men's faces, people would be cursing one another for crude or insulting thoughts directed at them and I bet fist fights would break out all over the place. And what would happen if all the bosses and employees across the land knew what each other were thinking? And do we really want to know what some of our politicians are thinking, their true motives?
"Now on the other hand, the Aboriginal tribes of which I speak have managed to continue to live in harmony with no need to compete. They have no secrets and there is no hate, greed, jealousy and all the other negative stuff our society so heartily embraces. They are a very spiritual people who live in an atmosphere of unconditional love and mutual respect. And that's why they never lost the gifts.
"To take this discussion a step further, let me suggest that animals, birds, and even fish can communicate through some kind of telepathic processs. Have you ever watched a flock of birds change the direction of their flight pattern time and time again in periods of split-seconds? They simultaneously know which way to go. A school of fish will do the same thing. How do they do that?"
Christine's eyes lit up in astonishment. "Oh, my God, yes! Yes, I see now." Her comical facial expression caused them all to enjoy a healthy round of laughter.
"The good news," exclaimed Doc Summers, "is that a spiritual revolution is underway and people throughout the world are raising their consciousness and thereby availing themselves of these latent gifts. I believe that our creator in his infinite wisdom is revealing this to us, at an accelerated pace. The message is, that it is time. Time to wake up.
"Actually, it started long ago with a select few, prophets and sages. I want to skip over what we consider ancient past examples to two thousand years ago when God sent Jesus with this Good News. Like I said before, Jesus possessed all the multisensory attributes I've been talking about, and more. He demonstrated them and tried to teach and remind us that we also have the potential.
"At present, there are about five billion people on this planet and I am getting insights corroborated by statistical information that the number of those seeking spiritual enlightenment is growing steadily. And right now, as we approach the end of the century, in this country alone, church attendance is growing at an incredible rate.
"Books, magazines, and other media dealing with the subject of spiritual issues and questions and supernatural phenomena are more popular than ever. Be it approached from a traditional religious, metaphysical, or other viewpoint, it doesn't matter. People are, indeed, waking up and pursuing a spiritual connection to God in whatever way they deem appropriate for them."
Bernice nodded in agreement, remembering her discussions with Reverend Derumn.
"The three of you sitting here today are perfect examples. I know it has not been an easy journey for you. However, there is a light in each of you that has already been illuminated within.
"Christine, Lisa, there will be hardship and sorrow on the path ahead, but bliss will outweigh it because you are lessening your doubts and thereby deepening your faith. Your innate multisensory gifts will continue to surface and develop as you grow. And you are growing. And you will flourish. Be patient Christine, you will find your father."
"How did he know about him," she whispered to Lisa, but so loudly that the doctor could hear.
"Haven't you been listening, dummy," Lisa joked as she kiddingly placed her hand over Christine's mouth to shush her and reassure her. "I didn't tell him, he just knows."
Doc Summers chuckled. Bernice was holding back a frown as she was slightly hurt at not being mentioned by name in Doc Summers' discourse.
"And your dear and generous friend, Bernice here, is far from over the hill and has a great deal yet to offer." The Doctor flashed a kind and knowing smile at Bernice, which she returned, feeling a warm blush on her face from being read so easily.
"Mrs. Chandler?" he said directly, deliberately expressing his utmost respect. "The giving of yourself and your home for this most worthy cause is a perfect example of selflessness.
"I personally know that the consequences of teenage pregnancy and parenting include low educational and occupational achievement. Particularly with those who leave the home environment."
Christine felt a twinge of guilt, but let it go in favor of concentrating on what the doctor was saying.
"And the children of these girls," he continued, "typically end up with social-emotional deficits and become adolescent parents themselves. It's tough enough on the ones who run away from home who aren't pregnant, even if often they don't stay that way."
Doc Summers looked in Bernice's direction, as if to invite comment.
She read his look and reacted, stating. "Here at Chandler House, prenatal care, parenting and imparting knowledge about human reproduction, contraception, and sexual responsibility carry a high priority. We invite professionals on the subjects to come in and help us with this."
"Also, we employ a group training approach whereby we involve all the girls in assisting our adolescent mothers and mothers to be.
"We place a great deal of emphasis on building self-esteem and unconditional love for self and others. These are important aspects of adolescent pregnancy and overall development and achievement for our girls."
"From what I can see," said the doctor, "you are doing an excellent job and have much to be proud of."
"We are," Bernice responded humbly as she grasped Lisa's hand and looked at she and Christine with a heartfelt smile.
"I think even an old man like me may have a little more to offer. But, I gotta remember, when it's over it's just a new beginning." He spoke in a self-consoling manner. He truly believed, yet there was a note of sadness in his voice. He stood and stretched his arms.
"Lisa, what I told you the day before you left for California, on the subject of elevating your consciousness and contributing to creation, may be of interest to Bernice and Christine."
"OK," she said, agreeing without hesitation. "I'll share it with them later." Lisa's reply contained a note of concern over the aging doctor's health.
"My dear ladies," he said in a jovial tone of voice now, trying to relieve Lisa's mind. "I truly believe that the New Millennium, a time in which we will live in a dimension of light and unconditional love is on the horizon. It is the next step in human evolution.
"And now I think I'll go take a nap. I better rest this old body up for tomorrow."
"Thank you, Doctor Summers." said Christine, gazing at him admiringly.
"One last thing," he said turning to the trio before entering the house, "like I have explained to Lisa on several occasions, the things I have told you only scratch the surface. There is an information bank of hundreds of books written on the various aspects of ESP and other psychic phenomena and spirituality. I encourage you to seek that which informs and entertains you. The greatest gift I received from my teachers was a persistent curiosity and unquenchable thirst for knowledge.
"And don't hesitate to ask, in the quietness of your mind, what it is that you need to know. I promise you, that in one form or another, the answers will come forth."
He labored, going up the stairs, causing Lisa's concern to deepen.

The following morning, Bernice and Lisa were readying themselves for the trip to the airport. Doc Summers hadn't been feeling well and decided to cut his trip short. While the two women prepared themselves and gathered his bags, the doctor sat in the back patio admiring the view.
Christine approached him, feeling a little timid. "Excuse me, Doctor Summers."
"Good morning Christine. My, you look radiant today." It was his nature to try to make a person feel at ease in his presence. Christine beamed, and noticeably relaxed.
"Something on your mind young lady?" he inquired.
"As a matter of fact there is, but I don't want to bother you." Her tone of voice sounded an obvious appeal.
"You're not bothering me. Now come here and sit down and let's hear what you have to say."
"I thought about what you said yesterday. And later we listened to the tape you gave Lisa on how we all take part in creation. There's something inside of me that knows what you say is true. It's like you've confirmed what I already believed, but never heard in words before.
"I do want to be a better person. Last night when I was in bed I prayed and asked for guidance on finding my father and what I should do with my baby. I laid there and meditated on communicating with my father until I fell asleep. You know Doctor Summers, Lisa's got everyone in the whole house doing this meditation thing." Suddenly aware that the practice was his idea, she sank back in her chair in embarrassment.
His eyes sparkled and he laughed aloud. "That's good, it won't hurt em a bit." He was obviously pleased.
"Anyway..." she started again. Her little burst of embarrassment had triggered the tension building for sometime over the issue of her father and the baby. And despite her best efforts not to cry, tears began to trickle down her cheeks.
"How long do I have to wait?" she whimpered. "I just don't know what to do." She had not planned for this meeting to be an emotion-packed encounter. Her original idea had been to discuss her dilemma with Lisa once activity in the house quieted down. Yet, here she was, pouring her heart out to a virtual stranger. Doc Summers stood and in a beckoning motion reached out for Christine. Sobbing, she came to him and pressed her head against his chest. His reassuring, fatherly voice rumbled in her ear as he spoke. "You are loved by all your new friends and it is not by accident that you are here.
"Each individual in this new circle of friends is developing the specific psychic abilities they need to fulfill their individual missions. You are collectively growing in spirit.
"You are also loved, protected and guided by those on the other side of the thin veil that separates you from the unseen spiritual realm. I want you to understand that other groups of people throughout the world continue to come together under odd circumstances. They, too, are in various stages of development and are being assisted by ethereal spiritual forces on the other side.
"You needn't concern yourself with any decision regarding your child at this time. Only when she arrives and you hold her in your arms, will you be able to think clearly on the matter. Until then there is nothing to fear."
He released her and she stepped back, a hopeful smile dawning on her tear-swept face.
Permitting a pause in the discussion, Doc Summers lead Christine to the rear of the large backyard where they could hear the roaring ocean below.
"Regarding your other concern, I suggest you stop worrying about that too. Your father is alive and you will find him.
"Lisa has told me all about your adventurous trip with her on the way to California. Maybe you don't fully realize it, but you have already experienced and witnessed aspects of ESP.
"Lisa is quickly learning to follow her intuitions, and lucky for you. Otherwise, she may have taken a different route to California. There was a time when she would have automatically taken the shorter route, and for sure, she would not have picked up a hitchhiker.
"I believe that intuition is a form of ESP guidance, available if you are in a state of mind to be receptive to it. Really now, you ought to know about that. After all, you selected the right shop to go into during your stop in New Mexico, didn't you?"
Christine nodded in agreement and thought back to the circumstances of that decision. "Yeah, I was in a relaxed and happy mood and just got a funny urge to go in there. And that's where I met the old Indian lady who gave me this." She proudly displayed the crystal necklace hanging around her neck.
"Was that funny urge like the urge you got to come and talk to me this morning?"
"Yes-yes, I guess it was!" Her announcement came in a louder, surprised voice.
"Well, how about that now!" exclaimed the doctor, humorously trying to instill some self-confidence into the young girl. "I'd call that some pretty good intuition. And don't forget what the old Indian lady said."
"She said I was being watched over by my ancestors. I remember her saying that."
"Yes, now you're getting it. And didn't she also answer a question you had previously asked?"
"Yes, she said the angels were there helping me and Lisa save that family."
"And what about the voice that screamed in your ear ordering you to pull the car over, saving your and Lisa's lives? Lisa told me about how you escaped hitting that truck and the so-called coincidence where you and her just happened to spend the night at a bed and breakfast place owned by that truck driver's parents.
"Well, who do think is setting all this stuff up? Or do you prefer to think that it was all a string of random coincidences like a lot of other people choose to believe when it happens to them? The odds that it's one big accident are millions to one.
"Now I don't pretend to possess full knowledge of the ethereal dimension of spiritual energy that we are immersed in, and I'm not saying that your every intuition is direction outside yourself. But I am convinced, without a doubt, that be it through guides, angels, or directly from God, there is divine guidance available."
'I truly have sympathy for the many people who live a life dominated by doubt,' Christine reflected to herself.
Christine listened intently, trying to take it all in.
Doc Summers realized that she had enough to digest for now.
"Well, young lady, what do you think?" he said, snapping her out of her trance.
"No! Yeah! I mean I agree, I just never put it together like that," she said excitedly, her tension and confusion gone.
"So, I hope you see then, what I mean about being patient. When you are pure in heart and intent, open, and in your peace, guidance will come and the miracles will continue to unfold. But it will happen in God's time, not yours. Get it?"
Suddenly, her eyes opened to a new reality, Christine was unable to restrain herself. She squealed in delight, whirling around in circles on the lawn. Then, just as suddenly, exhausted from emotion and this little spurt of exercise, she sat down on the grass and looked up at Doc Summers.
"You have made me very happy; I don't know how to thank you."
"Your smiling face makes me happy, that's thanks enough."
"Doctor Summers, she said boldly, still looking up at this wise man who stood over her like a giant. "Since it's not time for you to leave yet, can I ask you something else?"
"Absolutely." And he sat down on the grass beside her.
"I'm still a little confused about consciousness and how it gets elevated. Lisa and Bernice talk about it and it's in your tapes"
"Your consciousness, Christine, is your aware state of mind. And it is this inner awareness that determines how you intuitively perceive any and everything that comes through your senses. And this includes how you automatically feel and emotionally react. Like when you see a sun set, a baby smile, or witness a happy or sad event. Or when you smell a rose. How do we describe or comprehend the fullness of color or the fragrance of a rose? Generally speaking, we can't. It can only be on an individual basis. But you can tell when someone is experiencing this form of bliss by the glow on their face. What do you think the woman meant with her famous quote, 'A rose is a rose is a rose?' These automatic responses are dictated by what's in the subconscious part of mind, which is actually the cumulative memories of conscious input. You expand, or elevate, your consciousness by learning to become more aware of your surroundings and discerning truth. Next, you need to change your thinking accordingly. As your thinking begins to manifest truth and unconditional love, you behave accordingly. And your subconscious reservoir of memories becomes enhanced. Your changed attitudes automatically present themselves by way of the conscious mind as it reacts to a given stimuli. The cycle continuously repeats itself, again and again, beginning with conscious directions to the subconscious.
"Ideally, as you refrain from contaminating the mind with negative thoughts and focus on love and truth, your consciousness perpetuates and expands in a positive way. It's an ongoing process of personal transformation and growth at the level of the soul. Now, I don't expect you to understand this, but as we raise our individual consciousness, we contribute to raising the collective consciousness of mankind. And this is our goal."
"How do you know where you're at in this transformation process and what's the purpose of it all?"
The doctor was not surprised at the question; he'd heard it so often. "One sign is, when you truthfully become aware that your generosity, sincerity, and compassion are earnest and not governed by obligation or guilt; but rather by pure altruistic impulse. Another is when your intuition and other ESP and psychic abilities start to surface and you learn to honor them. They go hand in hand.
"Such is the case with you. Christine, you are just fine where you are. Keep being the best you can be. God expects no more of you than that.
"Now, what is the purpose of it all.? Christine, nobody knows with absolute certainty, but I can give you a simple opinion of mine."
"OK," she said anxiously.
"If you study the subject, you will find that every living thing on this planet has a purpose. The food chain is a perfect example to illustrate my point. To put it simply, the tiniest of organisms and creatures are eaten by larger creatures. And then these creatures are eaten by bigger or more powerful creatures. This cycle is designed to feed all as well as control species population.And some animals are vegetarian and serve to maintain the earths ecological balance.
"But what about us, you ask?" The only creature that poses a threat to man, is man himself. So, on the surface, there seems to be no real purpose for man other than, perhaps, to maintain dominion over the planet as stated in the Bible.
"I believe that when you look at the evidence and evaluate it, it brings us back to what I was alluding to at the beginning of this conversation.
"Our purpose can be no other than to evolve our consciousness; to awaken to the fact that we are multisensory beings and strive to recognize it, and be one with God, our creator.
"Like I said yesterday, it's time to wake up."

"Hey you guys, what are you doing out there? We gotta get going."
Responding to Lisa's call, Doc Summers and his new protegee sauntered back to the house.
"Thank you again Doctor Summers," she said, with an admiring light in her eyes, as he bid her farewell. "It's easy to see why Lisa adores you so. I will never forget you."
"Remember what I said yesterday, Christine. It's not going to be a bed of roses, but you will prevail." There was a note of finality in his voice she didn't quite understand. He did though.