by Kenneth through Madge Wood

Introduction

During his earthly life Kenneth was never known to me, only through his communications with his parents during his contact with my Sanctuary after his passing over to spirit.

He was an only son of parents born in a Yorkshire town and was a Leeds University student, and afterwards served in the Army during the last war.

His passing to spirit some years later caused his mother to be completely overcome by grief and resulting in ill health, so much so that she lost interest in life.

It was at this time that she was persuaded by Kenneth’s father (who had always had knowledge of spirit) to attend a Sunday evening service in my Sanctuary.

During the clairvoyance Kenneth manifested with his friend Billy and gave outstanding evidence of his survival, firmly convincing his mother that he was alive, well and happy.

Consequently his mother became a confirmed believer in Spirit and continued in this faith until her passing and reunion with Kenneth during the autumn of last year.

In sending forth this little booklet I hope that it will give a message of comfort to all who may read it as it did to those who knew and loved Kenneth.

Madge Wood

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This book is intended to give some hope and new enlightenment to those who are seeking for some further knowledge of that new existence and life beyond the grave.

I will endeavor to put my experience and impressions as clearly and simply as possible.

For me the passing into this world meant the ending of physical suffering, which I had endured over many months, and the glad realization that I was more alive and alert than I had ever been before.

As I had been ill for some time it seems that I have no recollection of the actual passing into this sphere. It seemed that I had fallen asleep, and on awaking I became aware of many familiar objects in the room in which I was lying. For a time I drowsed, and then became more fully awake, and very curious to know where I was and what had happened to me. I could feel no pain, and I was able to get up and move around quite easily. In fact my whole body felt light and strong. I discovered I was in a sort of Hospital. There were Doctors and Nurses about, and when they saw me they came to me. They were very friendly and kind. I am sure that I must have asked endless questions. My thoughts went home to my loved ones. I was most anxious that they should know as soon as possible that I was alive and well. I felt such a feeling of joy in the realization of my good health and well being.

It was arranged that I should rest for a little while, and during this period my thoughts went back over my earthly life – like some kind of a review. Also at this time I noticed more particularly the room I was sitting in – it seemed very familiar and homely; I saw many things I had treasured previously, books, etc. The furniture was nearly like the home I had just left with settee and chairs, table, carpet and bookcase. There were lovely vases of flowers, and on the sideboard a great variety of fruit. The light also gave the impression of a mellow sunlight glow, very soft, and yet so clear. I am telling you all these things because then you will understand how very gradual is the change between your world and ours. Familiar objects and people – relatives and friends, animals and birds all combine in the friendly loving atmosphere that surrounds all newcomers to this sphere.

While I was looking round my room, I was interrupted by the entrance of my Grandmother. She was delighted to see me, and gave me a great welcome, and told me that in the presence of a Guide of higher integrity and understanding, she and I were being taken into earthly conditions. I was naturally anxious to get there as soon as possible, but I felt considerably worried on arrival there to see the distress and sorrow of my loved ones. In vain I tried to comfort my dear Mother, and tell her I was not lying on the bed a corpse – but alive and well and in possession of a new body, and I wanted to tell them of my new discoveries. My love for them was very strong, and I tried to speak to them, but found that my words were not heard. It made me feel quite depressed. Seeing that no impression could be made we returned. My Grandmother was very learned in these matters – as during her earthly life she had made contact with the greater world of spirit and worked in service for others, and as I listened to her explanation, I realized that in due course, if I studied also, I should be able to find a suitable channel to convey to my dear ones the knowledge of my existence.

Now there is mutual understanding between myself and my dear ones, and we share many things together. I take my place in the home once more – not in the physical sense, but in a closer and more spiritual communion, and I am happy in their understanding and companionship.

Soon after my arrival here I met Billy again. He and I had been good pals, and now we discover we have even more in common.

You know our world is a real world. One of wondrous beauty with rivers, lakes, hills, mountains and the sea; interesting buildings. The structure of these are beautiful and far exceeding the buildings of earth, which corrode and decay, and with the years grow rather sordid, for in this world nothing is soiled or decayed. Therefore the atmosphere is more pure, and I think in some way this is responsible for the brighter outlook in general.

When you realize that half the life on earth is spent in cleaning in some way or another, and practically all the life in the maintenance of the human body, you will understand the great relief that is experienced when that is no longer necessary.

The desire here to go ahead and make good in whatever work is undertaken is stronger than ever it was during the earth life. For here are wonderful opportunities and the very best material.

Everything on earth is worked to time or a plan in which time is the main factor. Now we are not limited, and we are able to think things out more clearly, so that we have higher ideals, and the results are more gratifying. On earth we know that health and finance play the major part in all undertakings, so that it makes a vast difference in not having to depend on either for our work here.

I have always loved animals and country surroundings. Believe me when I tell you that we have animals here with us, and they are beautiful creatures. On earth they were loved and cherished by their owners, and here they await the coming over of their beloved masters and mistresses. They are so faithful and filled with devotion. Naturally they have to be cared for and looked after. That is one of my occupations that I love the most, for animals give you so much love in return. We have some wonderful horses and dogs. They have their quarters as on earth, but seem so very much happier here.

If in writing this to you, you may get the idea that I am describing some wonderful sort of holiday, because as on holiday you are able to visit other places, make new friends, indulge in every kind of sport, see varied entertainments, hear good music, go sailing, and feel free, easy and happy – that is what it is like here.

Perhaps you are wondering where is the Heaven the parsons preach about? It is here in every sense of goodness and divinity, for we all know God’s love and His understanding. His love and power directs all our life, and in praise and thanksgiving we give ourselves in His service. But it is not as they preach about, and I have not yet seen anybody walking on a street of gold or playing a harp – it would be too monotonous. I don’t think we should have an ear for music if that was going on all the time.

Spirituality to me is greater progression in God’s service – better work well done. I certainly have a greater conception of God and His love and the way His power and blessings are manifest. For on earth there are so many Creeds and Religions, and so much confusion, that in the end one does not know what to believe. Here we have found the true way of life, and we understand the great psychic laws which govern the universe. We know also the law of cause and effect. We learn to work in harmony. We have none of the prejudices of earth. In that I mean that we are not working for material gain, but for the pure joy of whatever interest we have in mind. Also I think we realize more than ever we did on earth the great purpose of life. The living factor of expression which lies behind all thought and actions. We see the effects of our thinking and working, and if we make wrong constructions, then we get wrong results and we must start again. Of course, this impedes progress, but we learn very quickly, and do not often make the same mistake twice.

As a Community we have greater regard for each other’s outlook and feelings. We work together with greater interest. Our creative power here shows far quicker results than it did on earth, but by this I don’t want to give the impression that things are easily attained – they are not – we must work and study. That does away with the idea that we are lazy. We can never be that, as there is too much to interest us in every way.

Our natural beauty is magnificent. The flowers, trees, foliage and colors are perfect. We have a wider color range and greater profusion of flowers, bushes and trees. They never fail to interest me – each one so perfect in its setting.

The soil is ruddy brown and sandy. I often examine it because it seems to contain mineral qualities and vital forces. We never get mud or dirty conditions. The grass is very green and rich and makes a soft heavy carpet feeling when you walk on it. Being a lover of nature I revel in making new discoveries. The plant and flower life hold healing qualities which they give out through their scents and auras – vital forces into the atmosphere. We all loved flowers on earth, but here they are living presences and each an essence of sweetness. We never want to gather them, although they are used in places for decorations, because in blooming they are living.

At times we go on journeys of investigation and return with plenty of food for thought. The woodlands and glades give a sense of majesty and power and reverence. There are many woodland temples and sanctuaries. In entering these places we are conscious of great upliftment and ethereal happiness. There are great souls who by their loving thought and endeavor have built these temples of the woodlands. Some were great naturalists when on earth and they leave for all time these places of healing and blessings.

Our waters here are like crystal – again they too are charged with living forces. The rivers and lakes and pools are crystal clear, but the sea is a crystal blue. Our sea is not cruel or boisterous and destructive, but gently rippling, the deeper waters are very calm. We are able to bathe and swim without any fear of drowning or harmful results. I spend long periods in the sea and always afterwards feel more vitalized. The sands and cliffs are beautiful as are all scenes whether of sea or country.

There are happy communities here as on earth, oh – just filled with the sheer joy of living. We make friends quite easily and find so many interests in common to share together.

As I loved birds, I know you will expect me to mention them also. Their plumage is perfect with bright colorings, and they are so dainty. I still love the little robins – they perch on my shoulders and hands. They have no fear as your birds have and come to us for companionship. I have seen wonderful varieties and birds that I never saw before in books or reality.

Birds are really very friendly happy beings and they come to us freely. Fear is a thing unknown in our world in either birds, animals or beings because there is complete trust and harmony between all creatures.

The bird songs and chorus rise triumphant and in listening you feel elated. Birds are used as messengers over here, and they seem to realize and enjoy doing a service in the cause of good. You see in our world everything and all things combine in the highest and best in the service of the Master.

When I was on earth I had been taught about God during my schooldays and through the Church and the Army Chaplains. All in their different ways were doing a good work, but now I understand far more clearly, because being further removed from the heavy conditions of the material it is easier to understand and feel the finer presence of the spirit.

God to us is a manifestation of light, love, and power, not something transient. Through His infinite love we realize His direction and guidance, which far excels the understanding of those who are his Ministers on earth. They know from the teachings of old, and their own impressions and experiences in their daily life, that His love and power, was, and is the greatest divine influence in the existence of the earth world. For us this direction of love is as a fountain, from which we can draw refreshment and inspiration at all times, but it is His Living Presence. You do not realize this fully when on earth, or how in all things and conditions you could have received the same love, comfort and influence. The portrayal of the Great Spirit as taught by the teachers of earth to the peoples of earth is not conveyed in the true sense of divine understanding, because the earthly teachers are so inadequate in their knowledge. Their understanding of God is very limited, because they apply their own limited understanding of Him in very uncertain teaching. God is all power, a power of love emanating through all the spheres of being. Perhaps the God Power is hard to interpret in material language, and one can more fully visualize this great at-oneness with Him over here in the realms of light where His presence is the all supreme vital life force. Don’t expect me to be able to convey to you all over there just exactly a complete picture of God and true divinity, because your minds are filled with the impressions you have gained by the Church’s teachings. Jesus the Christ brought to earth the true Christian life, and if you truly understand and follow His teachings, then you won’t go far wrong.

Everyone on earth seems to be searching for a perfect religion. There are so many channels and ways – some get upliftment and satisfaction and others never reach their goal.

I would not under any circumstances like to return to earth to live there again. I enjoyed my life there, had many experiences, but this is the perfect life.

During my earthly life I was very interested in science, and now I am able to spend much time in the laboratories over here. Science is a life force, and is conveyed from our world to yours through many channels and expressions and symbols. Much of our work here and the splendid work of our scientists is impressed upon ones on earth.

In the fields of healing, your doctors are doing wonderful work and I have watched the progress of surgery, and very soon ray treatments and ray therapy will take the place of surgery. I know you will be surprised to hear this, but many surprises are in store for you concerning the development of ray power. Rays can certainly be used for a tremendous amount of good, and also as a power of evil. It will depend greatly on the discernment of the earth people and those responsible for the direction of these powers. At the moment all the rays used on earth by the earth people are very elementary. This is not the case regarding rays that are directed to your world by spirit operators, and in healing particularly wonderful rays are used, and as guidance in many other ways. I never tire of watching operations and development of rays, and this therapy has a growing interest for me.

Dad spoke to me many times of the life of spirit and tried to explain things – but the real knowledge surpasses all earthly understanding.

I see people all around me engaged in some form of occupation or other. All seem happy and contented, I think chiefly because they are doing things and work that really interests them, consequently work is well done. The ideal circumstances and conditions of living here are in advance of any known living conditions on your earth. You have many beautiful countries and all nature is lovely, but always on earth something or someone spoils conditions. There is no perfect life or living conditions in the earth world. Too much greed and jealousy, and money is considered the main objective, and there is some form of disharmony everywhere.

Conditions of life here are reversed, and things of importance on earth fade into insignificance here, because we realize they are not important after all. Over here our aspirations are totally different, and life is good and really worth while. We do not fundamentally change, our characters are the same in many ways, but I would say greatly improved under existing conditions. Many things on earth can make people irritable and morose, and physical and money conditions are responsible for much malformation of character. If you are forced to do work that is uncongenial and uninteresting to you, you can’t put your soul into it or even any real interest. So you can understand why so many things and work remain unfinished and unsatisfactory on earth; why there is so much defeatism and change and chaos.

I think the first important factor one realizes on arrival over here is the changed conditions as compared to the earth life. Everywhere opportunity in some form or another presents itself, and the atmosphere is so different because it is bright and airy and very bracing. I never particularly liked the English climate – not sufficient stability about it – too much rain and cloud, and climate can have a very definite effect on you both mentally and physically. I revel in warmth and sun and brightness, and here is wonderful brightness. The most perfect earthly summer’s day cannot really compare to our lovely climate here, it is eternal summer. Now I really understand the true meaning of eternal day. People are very interesting, you know, you never really realize that on earth, because people there are never really true to themselves, they always wear a guise of some sort or another. So many conditions around them compel them to do so. Here they are entirely different, and maybe you are wondering why – it is quite simple – because they are their true selves. They don’t need to wear any masks, and in any case if they did we should see through them.

I often remember Dad’s humor when I was at home. It helped me many times, although I used to be mad sometimes when I wanted to study something special. You know a sense of humor does help things enormously, and I could say it brightens your earth life tremendously. We never lose our sense of humor over here: in fact we don’t lose anything of our main characteristics.

I seem to keep wandering off on different subjects don’t I? But they all comprise our life here and its many facets.

Excerpt from Into Eternal Light

See Part II here.