I was drawn to visit and tour the Church of Scientology Tampa when I saw the phrase “higher states of spiritual freedom” on their website. I made an appointment for the one-hour tour and signed up for the introductory class afterwards. I thought the class was an hour but actually is about 2-1/2 hours. Due to time constraints I used my two hours meeting Scientologists, asking questions, and learning as I toured the public information center. Everyone was very nice, professional, and as helpful as could be.
I like Scientology from what I see because it is all about the inward journey of self-discovery. Knowing how to know. All three parts of man—Thetan (Spirit)—Mind—Body.
I learned about the ‘Eight Dynamics of Existence”—1) Self; 2) Sex and Family; 3) Group Survival; 4) Mankind; 5) Life Forms; 6) Physical Universe (MEST=Matter, Energy, Space, and Time)); 7) Spiritual; and 8) Infinity—The Supreme Being Creator.
I learned of other concepts such as the Emotional Tone Scale—how to handle other people; the unpredictable nature of other people (and myself I thought). The ‘ARC Triangle’—Affinity (Emotional Response)—Reality (Solid, Real, Agreed Upon)—Communications (Interchange of Ideas). That if one leg of the triangle falls, all three legs fall and vice versa if one rises, all three rise! The process of ‘auditing.’ How our reactive mind can be activated, triggered by pain—physical, emotional—unconscious—partial/total all stored but can be cleared to make you free!
There are twenty-one (21) key dimensions or characteristics to be successful in life (my words as no labels were present; some dictionary definitions added below):
1) Take care of self.
2) Be temperate (moderate or self-restrained; not extreme in opinion, statement, etc.; moderate as regards indulgence of appetite or passion, especially in the use of alcoholic liquors; not excessive in degree, as things, qualities, etc.).
3) Don’t be promiscuous (characterized by or involving indiscriminate mingling or association, especially having sexual relations with a number of partners on a casual basis; consisting of parts, elements, or individuals of different kinds brought together without order; indiscriminate; without discrimination; casual; irregular; haphazard).
4) Love and help children.
5) Honor and help parents.
6) Set a good example.
7) Seek to live with the truth.
8) Do not murder.
9) Don’t do anything illegal.
10) Support a government designed and run for all people.
11) Do not harm a person of good will.
12) Safeguard/Improve your environment.
13) Do not steal.
14) Be worthy of trust.
15) Fulfill your obligations.
16) Be industrious.
17) Be competent.
18) Respect the religious beliefs of others.
19) Try not to do things to others that you would not like them to do to you.
20) Try to treat others as you would want them to treat you.
21) Flourish & Prosper.
I particularly liked the exhibits and office of the founder of Scientology and Dianetics—L. Ron Hubbard.
Writer—Artist—Administrator—Founder—Humanitarian
Some quotes of L. Ron Hubbard:
“A culture is only as great as its dreams, and its dreams are dreamed by artists.”
“It is not man’s dreams that fail him, it is the lack of know-how required to bring those dreams into actuality.”
“Probably the strangest place an explorer can go is inside.”
Dianetics—only workable technology of the mind.
Scientology—applied religious philosophy for total spiritual freedom.
A review of the exhibits include—Citizens Commission on Human Rights—World Institute of Scientology Enterprises (WISE)—Scientology Volunteer Ministers—Scientology Around the World—Scientology Network (DIRECTV Channel 320)—International Association of Scientologists (IAS)—Drug-Free World—United for Human Rights—Applied Scholastics: Tools for Learning and Literacy—Narconon Drug Rehabilitation & education—Purification Program—Dianetics—Scientology: Parts of Man—See a Thought (E-Meter)—The Way to Happiness—Criminon: Criminal Reform—L Ron Hubbard Exhibits & Office.
There are two tests if a life well lived according to L Ron Hubbard:
1) Did we do as one intended?
2) Were people glad we lived?
It was an exceptional visit of one seeking to experience “the higher states of spiritual freedom!”
All good blessings with gratitude to the Church of Scientology Tampa!
My visit and worship at the River Church of Revival Ministries International was all that their website said it would be and more! Dynamic praise and worship; anointed preaching; teaching of the Word; and powerful demonstrations of the Holy Spirit and Power! Pastor Rodney was surely ‘totally dependent upon The Holy Spirit for His leading and guidance’ as he gave a powerful sermon of Matthew Chapter 25—Parable of the Talents!
From a parking lot so designated by signs with the names of the various countries of our world into a sanctuary with the flags of many countries this visit had an international flavor for sure so fitting as we are spiritually first all ‘children of the world.’ Pastor Rodney and his wife Pastor Adonica Howard Browne are from South Africa and starting in the 1980s, have built from the ground up a diverse and growing congregation.
The talents, the abilities, that you are born with are unique to you alone. Do not compare, do what God tells you to do! Do not do what most people do—do not hide your talents!
Another inspirational worship service hosted by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) on PLAYERS Sunday at TPC Sawgrass. MC’d by FCA’s Matt Roop; music by the 
While in Orlando I was blessed to visit & worship at the New Destiny Christian Center in Apopka, Florida. A vibrant spiritual community indeed! Joyous opening with… this is the place where… miracles happen… Holy Spirit this is Your Home!
Special day honoring the Ladies of Lisle, the first women to vote in New York State! A historical marker was unveiled in the old Lisle Village Hall exactly 100 years after that first vote. Quite interesting, that first vote was whether or not to keep Lisle a Dry Town! The women voted yes! I wonder what the vote would be today if they concerned the consumption of wine! After the dedication we went over to see a quite impressive exhibit at the Lisle Library and then we went down the street to the French Distillery to toast the woman’s right to drink, excuse me, I mean the woman’s right to vote! (Andy Reistetter; Facebook Post with 30 Pics; 1-6-18)
