Elvis - A Lighted Candle

[Blue Moon]

From Leaves of Elvis' Garden by Larry Geller:

. . . While his church preached acceptance of the exoteric teachings as literal, Elvis wanted something more, something he would only find later in life in the esoteric aspects of the Christian religion. He never rejected his religion, only its rigid adherants and theri intolerance of any deviation from the accepted words. . . .

. . . "I'll tell ya, Larry, I've always believed in God, but my church really turned me off," Elvis said. "I always knew there was a truth to my religion, and somehow I never lost faith in God, despite those ol' preachers tryin' to make people feel guilty for things they never done. I always knew that deep inside me there were answers that went beyond their rigid old closed minds."

I just felt inspired to quote the above because of what I'm going through in my life. Elvis & I very similar in our views and outlook re religion. So, clearly I feel a spiritual kinship with him. I have the need to think for myself and find the real meaning of things, not just believe accepted interpretations simply because they are popular.

One thing that has bothered me is the way the church (in general) has treated the 10% tithe issue. Many other aspects of the Old Testament were not taken literally and brought forward into the churches, and yet that particular one was. Why the need for legalism? Jesus emphasized giving, as it is more blessed to give than receive, but the giving should come from the heart. How can it come from the heart and be spirit lead when a number is put on it? If it has to be 10% then one gives out of obligation and fear. Is that what God wants from us??

I bring this topic up because as many of you know I've been unemployed for a few years now unable to find work. Well I had lunch with an evangelical friend of mine and she clearly implied that I was having financial struggles due to not strictly adhering to the 10% tithe. She was careful to draw from her own life but I knew what she meant. Her intentions I'm sure were good, as she is a decent person, but the discussion went on for an hour and by the time she was done I felt like I had been through a meat grinder. I was in a depression for a day & a half. It was like a spiritual heaviness had come upon me.

I hope I haven't offened anyone by my above comments. The heaviness I went through was so strong, and when I came across Larry's quotes of Elvis, it just meshed with what my own thoughts were.

If I had to guess, I doubt Elvis was totaling up his giving to 10%. In fact, I'm sure he gave way beyond that % w/o even thinking. I've heard estimates up to 50% of his income were given away.

[MaryInTheMorning]

Firstly, thank you so very much dear Laurie for posting the above quote from Larry's wonderful book "Leaves of Elvis' Garden" for all of us!! The next thing that I would like to say is that I feel that I'm very much a kindred spirit to you and our dear Elvis because like both of you, I, too, need to think for myself as far as religion goes and find the real meaning of things and not just believe accepted popular interpretations or go along with the mainstream status quo as it were.

I can certainly very much understand and respect how you feel my dear angel in reference to the whole 10% tithing issue. I also feel that putting a dollar amount on it negates the giving feeling from the heart and spirit but rather re-inforces the feeling of giving out of obligation and from the wallet. I do not believe at all that God would want us to feel this way because I know that He knows that not everyone can always without fail manage to tithe the 10% that is asked for. It hasn't always been easy or possible for my family to do even though it is also what our Church asks for as well.

I am so very sorry that you are still having a hard time finding work dear angel, and also that in spite of your friend's good intentions, that she wound up making you feel so bad and so depressed. I am very glad however that you felt comfortable enough to come to your ELC family here and share your feelings about all of this with us. Please don't feel like you to have to apologize or think that you have offended anyone my sweet friend. I just hope and pray that by sharing your feelings here that it somehow helps to lighten the spiritual heaviness that you are experiencing.

You know Laurie I think the guess you made in reference to the amount of his income that Elvis gave away was pretty accurate. There is a quote I found online one time from J.D. Sumner that said that he believed that Elvis made over 4 BILLION dollars during his all too short life and did in fact give more than 1/2 of it away. I would say that this surprises me in terms of the dollar amount, but considering that it's our dear Elvis we're talking about and the huge, loving, caring and extremely generous heart he had, I wholeheartedly believe that had he lived longer he probably would have more than gladly given away twice that much!!

[Blue Moon]

Mari, thank you for your kind words of encouragement, and I'm glad you're able to relate to what I wrote. Not sure I'm always comfortable posting personal information, so I appreciate you making it a little easier.
At any rate, I just thought Elvis' words as quoted above really fit with my own spiritual journey, a close match, and that it would be a good topic for discussion. And now I see that you too have had similar ideas, so no wonder both you & I were drawn to Elvis & this forum. In our heart of hearts we are kindred spirits it seems.

I only wish I had the giving spirit Elvis did. Perhaps in time I will improve as I trust in God more, and have less fear.

[Wanda June Hill]

I too am of the same frame of mind, one who needs to find my truth in what I read and believe, from a spiritual source within me. It as Elvis would say, "behooves one to think", reason, pray and surmise when looking for the truth in what ever is important to one's life...spiritural as well. We have to keep in mind that the Bible has been altered several times during it's existence and that by what ever was required by what ever the ruling force was at the time. Such as the Catholics changing things to reflect upon their followers so that they would be inclined to do what they were told- even to giving to their church as told by the priests etc:. And most churches need that 10% to function in the way they want to- many having become more business oriented from the vast amt. that 10% can be depending on the size of their parrish...right?

Jesus preached that we give what we can afford- like the woman who had only a few pennies to give, but to her that was a fortune! Not 10% I'm sure either- but what she could at the time. Which is a good lesson for all, if you have more, give more, if you have less, the same applies. I do not believe that giving 10% in a steady fashion will take anyone to heaven or provide more from God in one's living status on earth either-
Jesus explained that the lowest of the low, were as good and sometimes better than those with so much more- in status and in wealth. He plainly shows that throughout the testaments. It is not what one has, or who one is, it is what one presents personally through behavior and deeds- and he didn't say those that strictly give 10% are greater than those who do not.
In fact, he didn't say that meant give it to some church or pastor- he said, "Even as ye do unto them (the poor and lame etc) ye have done unto me." So if we give mney, etc: to causes that help our fellow man and our earth and it's creatures, then are we not doing what our Jesus showed us we should? I think so. I do not give to a church- a building is not the Lord, it is a place where one can go and worship with others and nothing more- it is NOT a house of God, he does not live there- it is a meeting hall, and people go there to join in prayer which we are told to do- join together in prayer- but we can pray any where- Jesus went into the outdoors, the garden to pray on his last day a free man- not to some church. He taught us that we can find God anywhere- and we can give to God any time, any amount we have and if we have little, it does not matter, it's our love he wants, our prayers and praise. In fact, does it not say that money is the root of all evil? It certainly is- it kills people every day too...it killed Elvis.

I too am out spoken as you all know, sorry if I stepped on toes- my belief and what I think is mine alone, and as every one else's is theirs alone.
I tend to be cut and dried and come off like a know it all, I am aware of that too, but don't mean to be. Just expressing my own personal thoughts and comparing it to some that Elvis read to me, discussed and taught me too. I agree with almost every thing he ever said, much I had never heard explained in the way he did- and strangely, it made perfect sense as he said it. He was gifted more than many pastors I've known- and if I had to choose- even if I couldn't look at him- I'd take Elvis any day over most any pastor I've ever heard or read. Maybe it's just the voice? I don't think so, his intelligence and simple and direct way of thinking and putting truth to light, that is what made him special when it came to explaining what he thought concerning God- and many things.
Sorry this is so long. Laurie, you need not feel badly about your friend, she has not lived nor walked in your shoes...therefor can not feel nor see things clearly. One expounds on what one has known, she my friend, apparently has not seen things from your view. Please don't go there- it's not your fault. Period. wjh

Sorry I posted over the picture and tribute to Elvis' mom, Gladys Love Smith Presley- just go to the forum and click on the heading to go to the list of posted subjects to find that-it's the day she passed today. Great pix of her and her baby boy-wjh

[Lighthouseseeker]

thank you Laurie for posting this..
since the day I've noticed,organized religions use the fear and punishment subject more than love and compassion,I decided to stay away from all of them..they(religions) were used to manipulate the masses to obey the system we are ruled by so far ,and this has nothing to do with God,love and truth..I also believe no power can hold us back from finding them by our own..

[73smile]

I feel certain that Elvis would be supportive of you and your feelings.
Be yourself and never be afraid at ELC to post anything. ELC members are not into judging another person.
ELC is unconditional love.
73smile

[MaryInTheMorning]

Laurie my dear friend you are so very welcome, and it makes my heart very glad if anything that I said made what you wanted share with us a little bit easier. Please always know that you are free to share whatever makes you feel comfortable here with your ELC family. You shall never be judged, criticized, or made fun of. I feel that everyone here at ELC centers from a place of love and support which is one of the many reasons I love it here so much!!

.......And now I see that you too have had similar ideas, so no wonder both you & I were drawn to Elvis & this forum. In our heart of hearts we are kindred spirits it seems.

Yes I most certainly have had similar ideas my sweet friend and it is no wonder at all that we were both drawn to Elvis and this forum.......and certainly no coincidence either!! Yes we definitely do seem to be kindred spirits in our heart of hearts and that makes me smile.

[Blue Moon]

Thank you Wanda, Zey, Marjorie & Mari for expressing your opinions and support. Wanda, I'm sure you haven't offended anyone whether one agrees with you or not. I happen to agree with you. Others may not, and may be comfortable as Zey put it in obeying the system.
I for one have no desire to be stuffed into a programmed box. Took years though for me to become someone who thought for herself. I can think back years ago when I was so insecure I had no clue of my own intuition.

I can remember when I was under the ministry of a guy who specialized in exorcisms, not that I needed an exoricism. Well he told me that since the Old Testament referred to owls as unclean that I should get rid of anything owl in my house. Well I had this beautiful owl necklace which my parents gave me, and so I took a hammer to it and threw it away. Boy do I ever regret having done that now. Owls were just used as a symbol in the OT; they are not inheritantly evil. In fact, they are beautiful gorgeous birds. But then I didn't have enough sense to realize that at the time. I periodically regret what I did and hope someday I can find a similar necklace on Ebay. I hope my parents never find out how foolish I was. I just feel so bad about it. But I learned something from that experience, though I learned it the hard way.

[Sarena]

. Took years though for me to become someone who thought for herself. I can think back years ago when I was so insecure I had no clue of my own intuition.

That 's the way it was with me also for many years, Laurie, so I can relate very much with your words.
Concerning the necklace I feel you should not overestimate the "error" of your past but be glad what you learned from that experience. There are so many things we regret about our past, but the past is gone and everything will improve if we make a spiritual effort right now! That's also my experience!!

Thank you Laurie for posting the quotes from this wonderful book from Larry!!!

[FairyTale]

Laurie, Please Dear one don't ever think that you cannot come here to ELC and Speak wants Troubling your Mind and Heart, I myself know all to well how some people can talk the Religion and Live like a Sinner the rest of the Week. I haven't been to a Church in a long while myself, I have always felt like Wanda said you can find God any where. You can Pray any where, Jesus Preached on a Mountain Top and Prayed in Gardens. Jesus is in your Heart not in a Building, and want you wear won't get you to Heaven either I was told Growing up if I didn't wear Dresses down to my ankles and not to wear shorts that I wasn't going to Heaven. The Lord looks on the inside of a person, not by how much Money he as or what kind of clothes your wearing or if you have make up on. So Laurie don't be keeping wants bothering you inside, we are Family here when one is Hurting or in Need we are here to come together to pray with you and we Love and Care. When you were talking about that Lady and the 10% Tithing I could hear Elvis in my mind say, " Walk A Mile in My Shoes!"

[Blue Moon]

Sarena, you are right, I should let my mistakes go . . . I guess the necklace regret stuck with me longer because it was a gift. If it hadn't been a gift, I would have long since laid the matter to rest.

FairyTale, you have really encouraged me! I felt my spirit lift while reading your reply. I knew it wasn't an accident that "Walk A Mile In My Shoes" came to your mind & spirit. It is so true. She has not been in my shoes. When she lost her job a few years back, she was able to get another one right away. So she has no idea what is like to be in my position.
Also, just after my last meeting with her, a scripture came to mind; the one which says the letter kills while the spirit gives life. I was trying to explain something along those lines to her at lunch but she just couldn't relate to what I was saying. I don't want to be too harsh on her, as I know from her perspective she was only trying to help me. Maybe someday she'll understand. For the time being, I plan to try and avoid talking about such a controversial subject with her.

[FairyTale]

Laurie we are all Sisters Through Our Big Brother Elvis, believe me Elvis would have been the first to tell you to tell that Lady. Hey Sweep your own Door Step First! Know One on the Face of this Earth is perfect, and it also says in the Bible Judge Not Least Ye Be Judged! So Just Put your Trust in The Lord and your Trust in your ELC FAMILY!

[Golden Sky]

Hello ladies,

I'm sorry- I've been away so long it's strange to come back and post. But surely you won't kick me out?

Laurie, I wanted you to know I think that in a way it's very admirable that you smashed the owl necklace because it shows the intensity you felt about your spiritual quest. Some people just go to church and sing the songs and that's it.

My husband also was exposed to the anti-owl movement long before we met. He told me about it, laughing. But to be totally honest I've never completely been able to shake my curiosity if there's any truth to it.

Shortly before my mother died, my brother gave her an owl made of seashells for her birthday (which is today). My mother hated it and actually there was a lot of bad energy centered on that owl!! I'm not suggesting anything, just musing aloud about the coincidence and showing how naive I am, too.

With respect to the tithes: maybe you can take comfort in the fact that some of the more fundamentalist Christians argue that tithes were part of the ceremonial law that was made obsolete by Christ's coming. I've heard it argued very intelligently that to institute tithing is to deny Christ's power. But these market-driven churches won't tell you that of course.

I wish you all the best in your searches for employment and peace.

Love,
Trish

[Blue Moon]

Laurie, I wanted you to know I think that in a way it's very admirable that you smashed the owl necklace because it shows the intensity you felt about your spiritual quest. Some people just go to church and sing the songs and that's it.

Trish, thanks for your encouraging comments. It never occurred to me to see the necklace smashing event in such a way as you have, till now. Yes, I can see now where there would be a positive way to look at what I did. Not to excuse my own foolishness but I guess it does show I have a thirst for spiritual growth. Of course, at times it has taken wrong turns, like then, but hopefully I will learn from my mistakes.

I find it interesting too that your husband was also exposed to the anti owl movement. Well I can look back and laugh at it now too, though at the time I was too young and naive to have good perspective on the matter. In my opinion, the anti owl movement came about because the letter of the law was deemed more important than the spirit behind it. So I come full circle here as I tie it to the 10% tithing issue mentioned at the beginning of this thread. To me, it is the spirit behind it -- the idea that it is good to be a giver, from the heart, rather than putting a legalistic number on one's giving. But as you put it so well Trish:

I've heard it argued very intelligently that to institute tithing is to deny Christ's power. But these market-driven churches won't tell you that of course.

I couldn't agree with you more.

[MaryInTheMorning]

I'm sorry- I've been away so long it's strange to come back and post. But surely you won't kick me out?

Trish my dear friend, absolutely no apologies are necessary hon. It's always such a blessing to have you here whenever life and opportunity allows you to be!! I can certainly relate to how you feel about it being strange to post again after you've been away for a while. I was away for about 2 weeks towards the end of July/beginning of August and man it did feel weird posting again, but boy did it feel so good to be home again! Kick you out???? No worries about that sweet lady as I feel that the door here with our ELC family is always open with love!!!