The Family: An Institution of Higher Learning
Summer is here, and many of us are spending more time with family than in other seasons of the year. This can be joyous and bring many blessings. But isn't it also true that being with family can often bring frustrating challenges? Why is it that those closest to us can sometimes be the hardest to live with?

During my near-death experience I learned part of the answer. You've heard the old saying, "You can pick your friends, but not your family." Well, not true! In heaven I saw spirits joining together and making agreements and promises with each other to come to earth as members of the same family. We did pick our family! And our Heavenly Father guided and approved each choice as perfect for our growth here. Why then, if we were so agreeable in heaven, does it often seem so difficult to get along together here on earth? Why do we sometimes drive each other crazy?!

The answer lies in understanding the grand purpose of life: to have experiences which refine and magnify the Godly attributes inherent to our eternal spirits. The highest of these attributes is unconditional love. And what does love mean? Love means patience--now think of your experiences with family members here--love means patience, forgiveness, tolerance, sacrifice, selflessness, kindness, generosity, appreciation. Are you challenged in these attributes by any of your family members? I am. We all are. But in choosing to love someone, and then willfully practicing love in the million opportunities that relationships create, we get better at it. Our Godly natures blossom. And our Loving Father and his angels smile upon us and rejoice. Because love is what it's all about!

Why did we agree in heaven to be part of each other's lives? To serve as catalysts for our mutual growth. What greater love than to choose to play those roles most wonderfully suited to helping one another grow!

This summer, cherish your time with loved ones. Try to see them through spiritual eyes as your loving and dear friends from our life before who are here to help you grow. And if you don't have family near you, look to neighbors, acquaintances and friends. Placed about you are those meant to provide important opportunities for your spiritual growth. My blessings and God's blessings to you in this most noble and joyous adventure: learning to love!

News and Updates
~*~Our new TV program has been airing in several major cities to wonderful success! Watch the schedule for broadcast times in your area.
My media calendar

~*~In conjunction with the TV program, a special offer is available now. Purchase the "Embraced By The Light Collection" and receive these 5 items for only $29.95: Embraced By The Light (my first book), "An Evening With Betty J. Eadie" (my 2-hour video), "Musical Journey" (inspirational music CD commissioned by me), The Ripple Effect (my third book), and "Onjinjinkta Newsletter" (free 1-year subscription to my company's quarterly newsletter).

~*~My forthcoming book, Prayers & Devotions For Daily Living will be available in September! To see the cover and read more about it, click below.
Prayers & Devotions For Daily Living

~*~Many readers are interested in the study of near-death experiences , such as the one I had in 1973. Here's an interesting article sent to us recently by a subscriber which explores this important topic.
Life After Death

~*~For those of you who enjoy uplifting email newsletters, the newest addition to our Ripple News pages introduces "HeroicStories," a wonderful newsletter devoted to sending you true accounts of everyday heroes.
Ripple News