Throughout history many have spoken about being “Saved.” To every individual this means something different, although generally it is considered a religious or theological term. For me, being “Saved” means recognizing there is a Higher Power, that I as a human am not God, and that, for me, in my particular experience, Jesus is the one who offered Salvation.

Other religions or philosophies come at it from a different angle….but generally I think being “Saved” involves some sort of transaction of asking for Forgiveness from a Higher Power. The “asking” part is vital, because it means that one recognizes there is a need to be forgiven.

Some folks feel that so much religious dogma has been shoved down their throats, that they almost strangle on the thought of being “Saved,” or asking for “Forgiveness.” The very mention of these things makes them uncomfortable and, sometimes, angry. I wasn’t raised with ANY religion, so when the moment of being “Saved,” happened for me I was truly surprised. I was alone, and not expecting anything…..I simply asked Jesus for Forgiveness (I wasn’t even exactly sure why I was saying the words!) and I told Him I would never leave Him again. Blammo! What happened next was unbelievable. I saw Him, and He put His forehead against my shoulder, and I felt a tremendous sense of relief (from Him) and, believe it or not, what went through my head was two things. One was that His robe was made of a kind of beige muslin (I had heard that Jesus wore bright shining white robes…this wasn’t what I saw…I saw a much humbler attire!) and I also sensed that He was a little “weary.” I remember thinking that Jesus must be a VERY busy man! I got the impression He works almost all the time…not many vacations!:)

Later that evening I told a friend of mine what had happened, and the tears started flowing uncontrollably as I talked about it. I don’t know why…I guess it touched me very deeply. I got baptized sometime later after that, and the same thing happened when the water poured on my head….the tears. To this day I don’t understand the tears, but I know they come from a very deep place.

I understand if people think it isn’t necessary to be “Saved,” especially if they have had religious dogma stuffed into them. All I can say is I think it helps to clear the Soul for the way forward, and it humbles us into remembering that although all of us are connected, and we are all part of the Light, there is still a Supreme Being that oversees it all.

In Peace,

Jennifer Avalon

© 2013 Jennifer Avalon

Some folks think we are, basically, just a bag of bones. Flesh and cartiliage packed onto a skeletan that one day will crumble into, yes, a bag of bones. Whenever I meet an atheist, or someone who really believes this, I take a step back…..because I understand that there is a valley between us, that is hard to bridge….but, I also reach out a hand, when I can.

Many on the other side of the valley won’t outstretch their hand to me. I make them angry. Especially when they see my hand reaching across the valley. They think I am stupid for believing there is an Afterlife….they call me a fool. What should I call them? I don’t feel the desire to call them anything, actually. I figure that one day they will get the biggest shock of their life. They will cross over, and be stunned. For some, that will be the only way they will ever see the Light….AFTER they cross over.

I believe the reason we are given bodies in this world is to accomplish certain tasks, or missions. Also, for a chance to fix some transgressions. This earthly world of ours is the vision of all of us put together…so there is obviously a need to do some renovations!! The reason, I believe, that the Other Side, or Heaven, is so incredibly peaceful and beautiful is because there are so many Souls there who saw the Light before crossing, and chose to follow it on earth, and also there are so many Souls over there who, when faced with all the good and bad they did on earth, have decided to ask for forgiveness, or atonement, and have begun their true work. There are no distractions in Heaven. There are a thousand or more distractions on earth.

In the Universe of stars is God. All intelligence, all knowledge, held together by the glue of God. God is pure Love. He wants what is best for all of us. His love is like no other, and all of us are faced with that someday….that unconditional Love that puts us to shame, for all the mistakes and silliness we did in our earthly lives. But it is that true Love that heals us, and helps us to press on. How can anyone say no to God….to unconditional, pure Love. Those on earth who do terrible terrible things to others have said no to God…..

Unfortunately, we are stuck with language here on earth. To some, the word God makes them freak out.To others, the word Heaven sounds outdated. I think it is safe to say that we all understand, more or less, the word Love. If we remember nothing else in our lives, let’s hope we all remember that we come from a place of Love, and will return to a place of Love…..and that, in the end, it is our bag of bones that gave us the chance to fulfill that promise….

With love,

Jennifer Avalon

© 2012 Jennifer Avalon