A Voice Loud as Thunder: Conversations with Earthbound Spirits—Destination: Heaven

Copyright © 2013 Virginia L. DeMarco.

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ISBN: 978-1-4525-8343-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4525-8345-7 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4525-8344-0 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013917695

Balboa Press rev. date: 10/16/2103

Table of Contents

Foreword

Preface

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Chapter 1   The Voice of Thunder

Chapter 2   The Apology

Chapter 3   Forgiveness Heals

Chapter 4   The Journey Continues

Chapter 5   A Blanket of God’s Love

Chapter 6   Letting Go

Chapter 7   See the Child

Chapter 8   A Spark of Hope

Chapter 9   Love Thy Enemy

Chapter 10   Prayers of Love

Chapter 11   The Shaman

Chapter 12   Charles Speaks

Chapter 13   Faith and Trust

Chapter 14   Charles Hides

Chapter 15   Charles Wants To Live

Chapter 16   Understand and Forgive Yourself

Chapter 17   The Red Rose Bush of Love

Chapter 18   Charles Tells His Story

Chapter 19   Charles Faces His Fear

Chapter 20   Love Heals

Chapter 21   The Giving of Gifts

Chapter 22   Planting Seeds of Love

Chapter 23   We All Have Specialties

Chapter 24   Love and Light Conquers Fear and Darkness

Chapter 25   Intention

Chapter 26   The Circle

Chapter 27   Ready to Go On, But…

Chapter 28   In Service to Mankind

Chapter 29   The Sacred Agreement

Chapter 30   The Spirit of God within All of Creation

Chapter 31   Sacred Moments

Chapter 32   Charles Comes Alone

Chapter 33   Planting Seeds

Chapter 34   Waiting for the Harvest

Chapter 35   The Harvest

Chapter 36   Reflections

Afterword

Conclusion

Appendix: The Soldiers Tell Their Story

To the many souls seeking God’s loving presence. May you find it within all creation.

"And if you would know God be not therefore a solver of riddles.

Rather look about you and you shall see Him playing with your children.

And look into space; you shall see Him walking in the cloud, outstretching His arms in the lightning and descending in rain.

You shall see Him smiling in flowers, then rising and waving His hands in trees."

—Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet—

Foreword

T HIS BOOK IS AN ENRICHING and unique guide for releasing blocks, connecting to God’s love, and moving forward on the journey of life.

The story reflects the God-centered connection of the healers with those who have passed and are working out unresolved learning situations. It is the demonstration of love and openness to these souls that allow Kathleen and Virginia to assist them in moving forward with God’s light shining brightly in their soul’s energy.

Throughout the pages, the reader will feel the love and God’s light that surrounds us all.

Brian McNair, educator, intuitive

The question of life after death is a mystery. No one can say for certain what happens when our life ends. There are a number of people who claim to have experienced it with a near-death incident. There are those who claim to have an insight into the future. And there are those like Morning Sky and Many Voices, who claim to be able to communicate with those who have passed away.

Among us, there are many skeptics. Had I not known both these women my entire life, I may have been one of them. They have proved themselves to me, and I am a full believer in their abilities to communicate with people in the heavenly realm.

To those who are not so quick to believe, that’s okay. You are able to be skeptical and still gain wonderful insight from this book. It offers a glimpse into the wisdom and knowledge that came from living in another time. The young soldier, Charles, brings a humorous delight with his child-like insight and perspective of the world, reminding us to find the joy and light in the little things in life. The Native American Indian in the story offers a deep wisdom that comes from years of embracing and listening to the Earth and all its creatures and spirits.

Virginia-Morning Sky shares the journey that she and Kathleen-Many Voices took with spirits from the heavenly realm. From the creative metaphors of some of life’s most perplexing ideas, to the deep spiritual examination of the existence beyond our earthly one, this book opens your mind to new ways of looking at life and love. It’s great to have a little insight into a topic that is so uncertain for all of us.

Chrissy-Deep Heart

I am a retired teacher, avid reader of all genres, usually wary and a skeptic about topics I am unfamiliar with. On reading A Voice Loud as Thunder, I was immediately drawn in by the experiences that Virginia and Kathleen had and the impact they were having on the souls of people long passed but unable to go forward. More than just a compelling story, you know that it’s true when you read it. The subject matter moved me and touched me deeply by a reality I hadn’t known existed. A Voice Loud as Thunder has caused a shift in my thinking about religion, the afterlife, and our journey from this world to the next. I know the gifts and humility displayed by the author will impress any reader. You won’t forget this story and what exists beyond what most of us are aware of. I highly recommend it.

Patricia Stubbs, educator

As a person constantly amazed by the struggles and resiliency of mankind and the never-ending testimony of God’s grace, I recommend A Voice Loud as Thunder to all those interested in discovery, wonder and the search for truth. Its simply told story reveals so much and affected me deeply.

It is often said that life is a long and winding road, full of unanticipated turns. Many of these turns impact our lives only slightly while others shape who we are and how we relate to our world and to others. They are pivotal points of encounters that become true bends in the road, creating in us new direction, an altered state of being that refines our vision, our look forward. These encounters occur relatively infrequently but are of sufficient magnitude to determine our tomorrow in many ways.

These points of encounter are very personal and may not fit neatly into theoretical, psychological, or theological constructs. They range along a continuum from pleasant to painful experiences. For me, several situations that stand out include; my wife giving birth to each of our children, finishing graduate school, conquering boot camp, work promotions, various church-related challenges (and joys), and the death of my 36 year-old daughter. Each of these events caused serious reflection and attentive looking back at the road travelled. In addition, profound decisions and attitude formation affected the road ahead. Each was instrumental in bending the road, modifying life’s journey. Meaning was re-defined, and I would never be the same—good or bad—positive or negative—changed forever.

At this juncture in my life, I identify myself as a seeker, a pursuer of truth. Quite frankly, since my daughter’s passing, a huge encounter for me, I continually value reflection and contemplation regarding areas of study such as the mystery of life, development of faith, understanding God’s path for me, how to be joyful, finding your soul, motivations of people, time, angels, reaching out to help those in need, and value of community. This is not orchestrated, planned work, but an almost serendipitous listening of voices. Hence, this book facilitated my thinking.

A Voice Loud as Thunder is not presented as a debate or essay. There is not a focused argument or position to sell or preach. Sure one identifies a bias, a belief the authors hold. Yet, the story acts more to water the seeds that grow into understanding—the reader’s personal understanding. Each chapter adds bits and pieces to the story that raises questions and begs for clarity of meaning, personal truth.

Let me be clearer regarding the impact of A Voice Loud as Thunder on my mission to find truth and influencing my life. Three notions stand out.

First, the author’s conversations with Earthbound, their human dilemmas, their care for each other, and the interaction with spirits and angels comforted me and still do. The characters and dialogue created in me a peace, a touch of the heart much more than just a tender novel might do. For me, this was real. My daughter could be there. The human condition and never-ending journey of life began to resonate in my mind. In short, the reading helped me in my quest for understanding of life on Earth, my living and the connection of that life to Heaven and being Heaven-bound. And that created in me calmness; a sense of being held in someone’s arms, safe, protected and loved.

Second, treating the story as factual, it provided another source of knowledge. Of course, as a seeker and one who experienced many doubts when my daughter died, I was open to the tale being true. As a personal friend of the author, I trusted the messenger and trusted the message. I was seeking transformation through understanding.

Yet the power of this book is not to preach. You make the story what it is for you; and you create your own truth. It can reinforce your present thinking or enlighten. A Voice Loud as Thunder is not a book of instruction, it is a revelation. For me, it was believable, real and shed new light and resolution to questions asked.

Finally, I deepened my view of relationship; my concept of love. The behavior of the angels and spirits provided context and showcase for the short-comings and struggles of us all and that the cure response is love. And it is clear that the definition of love is not the one often found in present day society—it is a deeper, unconditional love and is corner stoned in sacrifice, service, and unselfishness. I wish I would have read the book when I was younger and so full of impulsiveness and ego gratification.

This book has helped me connect a few dots, to link love to compassion to forgiveness to tolerance to acceptance in a much deeper way. Standards, principles and values are important yet play out each day within the context of love and charity; not impatience, self-centeredness and so much judgment.

You will want to read A Voice Loud as Thunder to find your own truth, your personal point of view, your unique path. When a point of encounter enters your life, hold the truths of this book close and remember its comfort, reflective power, and vision. You may even find strength and encouragement. In fact, reading this book could be a point of encounter for you, a true bend in your road of discovery.

Even if you just seek a diversion from the present day strain and feelings of disconnect, the story will captivate, entertain, and stimulate thinking. You will be taken somewhere you have never been.

A Voice Loud as Thunder is simply told and approachable to everyone. I was engrossed, immersed in its soft, yet powerfully personal telling. I was enlightened and heard a message, my truth. The story and its characters gave me understanding, comfort and hope. What will be its meaning for you?

Dr. Michael E. Brown, (specialty areas: Sociology, Education, and Child Development)

Preface

I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED CREATING things of beauty—whether it’s flower arranging, decorating my home, or baking. Hopefully, my manifestations are as beautiful as intended. However, patience and perfection have never been my strongest attributes. For example, if I sew a seam in a dress and then need to rip it out, I would rather throw it in the trash. While I don’t usually follow my impulse, I’m not pleased with the task of ‘doing over’ what I’ve already done.

In the process of writing this book, I must admit the seams have been constantly sewn and ripped apart so many times that it’s a miracle I didn’t throw it in the trash. This has been the most challenging and rewarding creation of love I have faced in my life. Perhaps I have been given an opportunity to overcome my lack of patience.

As far as perfection, my angels constantly remind me, There is perfection in imperfection. Will the ‘work’ be good enough to publish, is the thought that continually plays in my mind.

I have read that many authors are reluctant to give birth to the ‘baby’ they have nurtured and loved for so long. However, the ‘baby’ cannot stay forever in the mother’s womb. This book must make its entry into the world. I am merely the vessel through which it flows, but I can no longer hold onto that which belongs to God.

May the love that has nourished and created this book continue to flow through its pages as it makes its way into the world.

Acknowledgements

W ITHOUT THE CALLING OF THE Holy Spirit of God, this book would not be a possibility in our realm of reality. Thank you for guiding us on this journey of fulfilling our desire to share a message of love with the world.

We thank Jesus, the Blessed Mother and her angels for their constant guidance and loving service to mankind here on earth. With your guidance, the journey was made possible.

Thank you to all those in the circle of light for your constant support and love that has sustained Kathleen and me through this process.

Our families played an important role in the process of our work and the writing of this book. Thank you for your support, encouragement, and love that gave us the fuel needed to propel us on our journey. We treasure the precious gifts of our grandchildren, who are perfect reflections of our Creator and remind us who we are.

There are many whose loving energies have been woven into the fiber of these pages. We thank you for the precious time you devoted to reading, critiquing, and editing the many stages of this work. Without you, we would still be struggling. So, with loving gratitude we thank: Chrissy (Deep Heart), Kristin (Gentle Meadow Fawn), Lisa, Dwayne (Radiant One), Raelynn, Vicky, Aunt Mary, members of the Writer’s Gallery, Deborah, Amy, Diane, Cynthia, Ruth, Bethany, Mary Lou, Jeanne, Cheryl, Linda, Patricia, Cindy, Mick, Sally, Brian, Donna, Michelle, Bethy, and Andy, my husband, who has never given up on me during this writing process.

Without the patience and computer skills of my husband, Andy DeMarco, I would not have been able to get this manuscript completed. Thank you for teaching me the basics in computer technology.

A special thanks to Virginia’s clients and friends, who constantly cheered her on during the writing process. Without your encouragement, she may have faltered.

There are those who have crossed our paths on this journey of life who have touched us in miraculous ways. We may not have known it at the time, but their essence lingers, and we are changed forever. We thank all those we have met on the path of spirituality. To name a few: Gardenia, Kay, Joanne, and Julie, the authors of countless books, and most of all, our parents and loved ones who know us in intimate ways.

A special thanks to Chrissy (Deep Heart) for her devotion to the completion of this book and its cover.

Virginia-Morning Sky and Kathleen-Many Voices acknowledge each other with love and honor. Without one, the other would have been incomplete.

To the Protector and Charles, we are eternally grateful for the beautiful lessons of love that you taught us, and now through the pages of this book, you share with the people of Earth.

Creator God, we acknowledge you as the Great Orchestrator of Life. We dedicate this work to you.

Introduction

W HERE DO WE GO WHEN we die?

What would prevent us from returning to our heavenly home?

If you seek the truth about these questions, then this book is for you.

In the following pages I will share personal experiences that my friend Kathleen and I had with earthbound spirits and those in the heavenly realm. I recorded these experiences in my notebooks while Kathleen communicated with those in spirit.

Some of the names have been changed to protect family members living today. In some instances, channeled information may have been modified for clearer understanding.

While this book has been written using terms familiar to our Christian background, we accept and honor each of you in your own religious/spiritual belief system. We do not intend to offend anyone with our choice of words, titles, or conceptions. We ask you to listen to the voice of God within you and decide for yourself what is truth, not only in your mind, but also in your heart, which is the house of knowing.

What is an earthbound spirit? These are the ones who have died but have chosen to stay here on Earth. Many would call them ghosts. They have asked us not to use that word. The word ghost presents us with a picture of a wandering spirit, floating around, haunting houses, and doing all sorts of mischievous deeds. This is how many books and movies portray them. While this could be true, the majority of earthbound we have met don’t fit this description.

Each one has their own personal reasons for not leaving Earth when they die. In our experience we have found some of the reasons to be: anger; fear of God or the unknown; punishment of self or self-hatred; attachments to people, places, or things; unworthiness; accidental or early death; remorse for actions and a need for forgiveness from their loved ones; and no belief in God or the existence of heaven. Sometimes these dear ones never experienced love of any kind during their life. How can someone return to a place of love when they’ve never felt love?

At the time of death, we do not automatically get on an escalator taking us to heaven, propelling us forward. We choose whether to go forward or not.

Who are these people who have chosen to stay? These dear ones we serve could be your mother, your father, your sister, your brother, your child, your friend or even you.

While it has been their own choice to remain here, we assure you they’re never alone. They’re tended to by their angels, even though they may not be aware of them. Their loved ones in heaven continue to reach out to them. No one is forgotten, not even those who have chosen darkness.

Our fear is an emotion that the darkness feeds on. Unconditional love is the only power to counteract this negative force. Love brings the light. Many of these spirits dwelling in darkness served the dark side while in their physical bodies. We won’t be discussing these lost souls in this book. However, if you have contact with these spirits, seek someone who has experience working with them.

Where does our story begin? Kathleen and I think back to the night we met our first earthbound in October of 1998. While he served as the gateway for all those who came after him, we wonder if that was the beginning of our journey. We believe our past lessons in life gave us the tools we used to assist all those we’ve had the honor to serve since. The beginning even reaches its hand far back into other times, places, and experiences.

Kathleen and I had been friends for about seventeen years before I was aware of her spiritual gift. About two years prior to our journey with the earthbound, we attended a meditation class. A part of this class included time to explore our gifts.

One night, we were asked to hold an item, such as a ring or keys, belonging to the person sitting next to us. While meditating, we were to ask for a message that would be helpful to our partner. Kathleen and I weren’t together in this exercise. While I managed to come up with a couple of sentences, Kathleen gave a ten minute reading to her partner. I sat there in amazement as Kathleen’s psychic gift was revealed.

After that, Kathleen and I continued meditating together at my house, and she began channeling those from the spirit realm.

While you may picture channeling as allowing another spirit to occupy your body, as we’ve seen in movies, this isn’t the method Kathleen chooses. She does not step aside, but gives voice to spirit without controlling the dialogue.

As an observer, I’ve noticed this interaction is influenced by the perspective of the one channeling. For instance, one from the heavenly realm, who is not earthbound, will use wording or phrases that are familiar to the person with whom they’re communicating.

However, when speaking with those between heaven and earth, we may not always understand their form of speech or language. We rely on the angels’ assistance in this work.

One such instance occurred between Kathleen and an earthbound man, who had died when his hang glider landed in some electrical power lines. The man in spirit kept repeating, Rod Askew. Kathleen assumed this was his name. As she continued to address him as Rod, an angel intercepted to clarify that this was a term meaning he had lost control of the rod used to guide the glider. His rod had gone askew. Kathleen apologized to him for her misunderstanding. Even though this was a serious moment, Kathleen and I had to laugh at her mistake.

While Kathleen has always known about her gift, I didn’t know I had similar gifts of awareness. As a young child of three or four years, I knew God used me as a channel for healing. I would lay hands on people in our church, and I’d been told they had been healed. While this particular gift was encouraged, other psychic gifts were not.

During our work with earthbound spirits, I became more aware of the spiritual realm. I asked God to help me develop my gifts, so I would be able to better serve him with these lost ones.

Everyone has gifts of the spirit. Bringing them into our awareness can begin with a willingness to serve. We can then develop our gifts through prayer and practice.

As Kathleen and I continued our meditation, we allowed ourselves to be open to God’s truth as it was revealed to us. Our openness brought us the opportunity to serve God in the work with the earthbound.

Why do we choose to do this work? We could have said no and God wouldn’t love us any less. So, why did we say yes to this calling? We answer the call because we’re fulfilling a part of our life’s purpose. We know without a doubt that this is one of the reasons we’re here at this time on earth.

Why were we chosen? Jesus and the Mother said we were asked because they knew we could love these dear ones. Many of us might think we need to be perfect to serve God, but Kathleen and I weren’t sent because we’re saints. We aren’t saints by the world’s definition. We think of a saint as someone who leads a very pious life here on earth, reaching some point of perfection, that none of us believe possible for ourselves. A common definition of a saint is: One who is devoted to the service of God. Kathleen and I are devoted to the service of God. This is true. However, are we in that place one hundred percent of the time? In our awareness, we are not.

While the world may never view many people as saints, we’ve come to believe that in God’s eyes, we’re all saints. We’re all holy. Each one of us is here serving a divine purpose in the service of God, as long as we choose that path.

It is our hope and prayer that this book will open eyes, hearts, and minds to the reality of God’s love for each of us. A God who reaches out his hand, his voice, and his heart to those who believe he wouldn’t want them. As humans, we find it hard to understand this kind of love, but this is the truth of unconditional love. God loves us, forgives us, and calls us to return home. This is the fulfillment of his divine plan.

In the following pages we’ll share the personal story of our first two earthbound spirits. You’ll discover why they chose to stay here on Earth. It’s their experiences that will give each of us lessons on how we can make changes now in the way we live our lives today.

It is with God’s love in our hearts and minds that we present our story to you.

The Journey of Love

How do we tell our story

Where to start and where to end

The path that we have chosen

Has taken us throughout God’s land

Across the hills and valleys

With mountains we have climbed

We continued on our journey

Not knowing what we would find

We went into the desert

For it was there that we were sent

By Jesus and the Mother

To find the souls that wept

We did not go unaided

For the saints were gathered round

And angels walked beside us

Bringing light to our earthbound

We took the tools God gave us

Our hearts were full of love

For our dearest brothers and sisters

Who denied their place above

The stories they have told us

Are not different from yours and mine

But Truth of God’s forgiveness

Was too hard for them to find

We speak of those departed

And yet they haven’t gone

To be with our Creator

And in his loving arms

We ask you to pray with us

For prayer will help them heal

Our Earthbound need assistance

To know God’s love is real

So as we tell our story

We ask you to receive

The lessons they have taught us

To set your spirits free

And when our journey ends here

You and I will not delay

For through these lost one’s stories

The message will guide our way

The Message is of new Hope

Of Forgiveness and of Love

To rise up in God’s spirit

To claim our place above

Virginia—Morning Sky

1

The Voice of Thunder

The First Night

Y OU NEED VOICE LOUD AS thunder!

These are the first words my friend, Kathleen, channels from the one in spirit, who later becomes our friend. He’s the beginning of our work in serving those who are earthbound. In the beginning we have no idea where this path will lead us. Who is this man and why is he here?

It’s a cool, crisp, breezy evening on October 23, 1998. Kathleen and I are sitting inside my car in a church parking lot. We’re parked across the street from an old house in Rancho Cucamonga, California. In the past few weeks, we’ve felt ourselves being drawn to this house. Could this be the site we’re seeking for a healing center? Is this God’s plan for us? We’ve come here to pray for guidance.

Again, Kathleen repeats the words, You need voice loud as thunder. Kathleen has the gift to see and hear those in spirit.

I ask, What are you talking about? I’m confused. She had been speaking to an angel about the availability of the house, and now she’s telling me something about thunder.

Kathleen says, There’s a very large Native American man standing directly in front of the car. His head is thrown back with his bare chest thrust forward. I get the feeling he wants to impress us with his large size. He’s holding his arms up toward the sky and pounding his fists in the air. The wind’s blowing his hair all around his head.

Again, he cries out, You need voice loud as thunder!

Kathleen is allowing him to speak through her so I can hear his words.

Who is this man, and why is he here?

Kathleen says, What do your words mean? We don’t understand.

He explains, Thunder is the voice of Creator, speaking truth loud and clear, for all to hear. I have used these words with others who have come here to chase me away. They come with their black books [Bibles], pushing them in my face. They command me to leave. ‘Be gone in the name of Jesus,’ they shout. When I approach them with truth, they scatter like crows screaming in the wind. You need to speak with Creator’s voice. Proclaim your truth loud and clear for all to hear.

Are these words a prophecy of what is to come? Why do we need voice loud as thunder?

For anyone reading this, we speak to you now with voices loud as thunder. Let us awaken dear ones if we sleep spiritually. We can awaken to the voice of God, the voice of Truth. The message of this book is for those of us with ears that will hear.

Why have you come? he demands.

We explain our intentions for a healing center where people can come for spiritual retreats, classes, and different forms of healing work. As we talk, he moves closer to us, and we can feel him observing our spiritual energies. We invite him to look into our hearts, since we have nothing to hide.

In the spirit realm where he exists, energy can be seen. We are aware that he can observe the energy of our feelings.

He says, I thought you would run in fear, but I can see you have big hearts for love.

We don’t know why we aren’t afraid of this man. We only feel love and compassion for him. We offer introductions, but he doesn’t want to know our names. He won’t tell us his name either.

I ask him, Why do you stay in this place?

He shows Kathleen a vision of this area as it was when he walked the earth in a physical form. She sees crops growing and aqueducts flowing with water from the mountains. There are men, women, and children involved in their daily activities. Where an intersection is today, Kathleen sees a ceremonial circle—a sacred gathering place—was located there during his lifetime.

We find it interesting that in our present day there are two churches at opposite corners of this intersection, and the old house sits on another corner. This was a sacred space in the day of the Native American Indians and continues to be a place of worship.

Our new friend then shows Kathleen a regiment of white men coming, carrying a red triangular flag. She views a battle where many are killed, including women and children. Blood