A little late but wanted to chime in about the KC seminar...

[Tracesmom]

Hi everyone! Fairly new to the community but wanted to chime in about how wonderful the KC seminar was! Absolutely incredible, just incredible. It was the first time I've ever seen JE live and he's just fantastic...so energized! I don't really have anything to add about the readings done, everyone else pretty much covered them. I would like to add tho that I wish I had found this board before the seminar and had been able to read the FAQ about seminars. There is a note in the FAQ about how no tape recorders (no matter how small) or video recordings or pictures etc are allowed and how they interfer with the energy all around the person using one. Well, three seats down from me was a gentleman with a little handheld mini-recorder. And no one in our section (I'm going to say approximately 15 rows deep and maybe 20-30 seats wide) had a reading done. All around that section sure, but not in that section. JE was pretty much all over the room with the readings....but the closest he got to our section was the lady with the bathroom reading...we were approximately 40 seats over from that end of the room (facing the stage we were on the left hand side), and I was in the 4th row back from the front and my mom the 5th row (right behind me). If I had known about how it interfers I would have asked him to turn the durn thing off....wonder how many possible readings were unable to happen because of him?
All said and done tho...even without a reading....JE is just phenomenal :)

[hazygirl]

I disagree. I was at the KC seminar and John did not even come close to reading anyone on that side of the room....not even near or around the section (except for the lady in the bathroom who was actually seated in the middle section). I was very disappointed in the audience and the energy level at that seminar. <edited for compliance with forum guidelines>

[Pam]

Personally, I will could never be disapointed to be in attendance of any where that John Edward is communicating messages from the other side, to a person who needs the healing the most on this side.

I wouldn't care if all the readings happened in the first two rows, and I were sitting in the last row, in the middle of a rain storm in November under a leaky roof, with the heat not working.,

I feel honored and blessed, every time I see him do his work.

[deadwoman]

I noticed about halfway through the KC seminar that the lady next to me had a small recorder going. However, we were just five rows behind the woman who started it all, the one with the grandmother and the ringing bells...and John ended up reading several people around her too. Just how far away does a recorder have to be? I recall there's a story in one of JE's books that hinged on the fact that a recording was made without his knowledge and that was a private reading, if I remember right. I'm just wondering if anyone's got any more information on recording sessions?

[ksdust]

Hi Hazygirl. I got a little lol out of your post. It's true it gets very annoying when people can't remember their own relatives. in defense of the "bathroom lady" the reading seemed to be more about one of her friends, as best as I could figure out not much of her own family came through. the "grandma who started it all" lady and the one who had cared for then lost a child knew who John was talking about. there were women sitting by me just begging to get a reading, one had a notebook with names and dates. now John is the one who does this but I don't agree with him saying "those who are supposed to get the reading will." I think it's a matter of limited time and energy. and of those coming through who are first in line or have the strongest energy, or something! so all readings aren't earth-shaking in importance. I just wish there were a way for everyone who goes to get one!

the thing about tape recorders is they are not allowed. I read this info on the net, whether the people that brought recorders in knew about the rule I don't know. Jesse should have mentioned it (did he?) at the beginning when he said for everyone to turn off their telephones.

I wished we'd have had the meditation, that would be an opportunity to up the energy in the room. I tried to do my part!

[Pam]

With all respect, I couldn't disagree more. Everyone's grief is equally important, and no earthly person can judge "this one's greif is more important/stronger/more needy than that one's".

To each person, thier grief, is the deepest and worst pain.

John's message of "if you're supposed to get a reading, you will" means so much more than just what the words say.

It means that the outcome of who gets a reading within the time alloted, is up to a higher source of wisdom; that it's not in John's or our own ability to make it happen or not, and that learning to trust in that higher source, and give our will over to it, is the ultimate act of love.

I don't mean to get sacharine or new-agey, but that's a basic truth that I personally believe in.

[Earthcoaster]

Originally posted by Pam
John's message of "if you're supposed to get a reading, you will" means so much more than just what the words say.

I agree with you Pam. I attended the Atlanta seminar in June with freewillin and we were there for almost 3 hours. There were SOOOO many people there, just like us, waiting for messages. Now, the way that our trip was orchestrated (the chain of events that eventually landed us in the Atlanta seminar) has convinced us both that it was meant for us to BE there, but we didn't get a reading (although I do think there were "cameos" for us in some of the readings he did). After the seminar, we talked about the mixed blessing, our disappointment that we weren't read and at the same time how we both felt faint every time he pointed anywhere near our row and were therefore relieved that he was not speaking to us........I've never fainted in my life. That doesn't mean that neither of us didn't/doesn't want to "hear from" our passed loved ones; that is certainly NOT the case! But, this has lead us to believe that maybe WE were not READY to be read, and our loved ones would have known this too. What good would it do for them to come through if we fainted? Hence, the cameos. Not to make light of the situation, but I believe it's certainly true that those who are meant to get a reading will.


Originally posted by Pam
I feel honored and blessed, every time I see him do his work.

I do too. And I am very very very happy for anyone who receives confirmation, validation, comfort, peace, closure, happiness, or joy from his work. I still talk to my Granny almost everyday, and freewillin just received validation from her mom which she posted about a couple of days ago. Maybe next time will be ours, maybe not. Until then, we can always do it ourselves. (JE said so!!! :star: )

[Tracesmom]

Originally posted by hazygirl
I disagree. I was at the KC seminar and John did not even come close to reading anyone on that side of the room....not even near or around the section (except for the lady in the bathroom who was actually seated in the middle section). I was very disappointed in the audience and the energy level at that seminar. <edited for compliance with forum guidelines>

I think that there was one other person, clear in the back that was read pretty close to the beginning of things...like the first time John made it to that side of the room. I have to say, I wasn't disappointed at all....I felt blessed to even be there. The chain of events that happened so that I got tickets, well...it wasn't just coincedence, lol. I may not have gotten a reading but there were things said to others who did that I was able to take comfort in as well.

<<from Pam>>
*I feel honored and blessed, every time I see him do his work.*

Yes, that's exactly how I feel too. And I so agree with John's message about if you're supposed to get a reading you will....it's just like he said at the beginning of the KC seminar..."I'm sure you all have spent the last day or so talking to your crossed over loved ones and telling them they have to show up today" etc etc...that's probably not the exact words he said but it's the same gist. And he also mentioned how it doesn't matter where the heck you're sitting....he'll find you if it's meant for you.

<<from KSDust>>
*there were women sitting by me just begging to get a reading, one had a notebook with names and dates.*

I'm :p here Ksdust...that could have been me! I was sitting there with my handy little notebook just filled with names and dates and little factoids about family members who have crossed over just waiting for John to head my way, lol. Anyhow, I was just blessed to be there at all....
Oh, and I don't remember Jesse mentioning tape recorders, just "no pictures please"...nothing about tape recorders or anything (that I remember anyhow).


Shawne

[Niesa]

I had a fantastic time at the Kansas City seminar! :) I thought there was wonderful energy in the room. All of the people around me were in a great mood and ready for John. Jesse even said what a great group we all were.

Speaking of Jesse: A lady sitting across the aisle from me wanted to have a picture with Jesse and he (very nicely) said that it wasn't allowed. Then the woman noticed that Jesse was having his picture taken by another person across the room. He immediately turned around, looked at the woman, smiled, came back over and let the woman get a picture of him and her together.

There was one well dressed woman waiting in line next to us that looked to be very reserved. To our surprise, when the crowds started pouring in, she stood up and started directing the people like an air traffic controller. It was so funny!

As for John's readings, I was very impressed! Quite a few people told me before the seminar that it wouldn't be the same since his television show is edited (my reply was "I hope you realize even the news is edited). I felt that the seminar was exactly like the television shows. It was great! :D

[Pam]

Originally posted by Niesa

Speaking of Jesse: A lady sitting across the aisle from me wanted to have a picture with Jesse and he (very nicely) said that it wasn't allowed.

I can understand that - if he agreed to that every time it was asked of him, everyone would line up to have their pictures taken with him, and it would take forever to satisfy all the requests!


Then the woman noticed that Jesse was having his picture taken by another person across the room. He immediately turned around, looked at the woman, smiled, came back over and let the woman get a picture of him and her together.

You mean the original lady who asked? I can believe that. Let me tell you about Jesse - he's a very sweet young man. He also, like John, is very down to earth, no veneer, and you can tell that he is a very caring and compassionate person.

[Theresa444]

:angel:
If truth be told, it really isn't up to John. In my opinion, it's more about the energy of those who have crossed over and our energy.

I flew in from New York City (Where Crossing Over is taped), risked my life at LaGuardia, where the airport was crawling with National Guard only to find that unbeknownest to my sister and myself, our country had gone to war while I was in the air on Sunday morning.... AND I STILL HAD A WONDERFUL TIME. FOR ME, IT IS TRULY A GIFT TO EXPERIENCE JOHN'S ELEVATED PSHYIC ABILITY.

Yes, two women in the row right in front of me got read. (Well, not me, not that day... but that's OK.) It simply wasn't my time. For me, it's good... it's ALL GOOD.

All my love,
Theresa :wave:

[hazygirl]

hmmmmmm, they edited my comment. Funny! The moderator was offended by my use of the term "idiot", so let me reword what was edited, for the benefit of those who didn't catch it.

<moderator's note: We don't allow cynics and skeptics to come into this group and call YOU an "idiot" - that means you are deprived of the privalage as well. We have a "be respectful" guideline that must be adhered to. With over 1200 members in over 6 months, you are the first member to have an objection to this guideline, or to find this stipulation "funny". Calling someone an "idiot" as you have insisted on reprinting in this post, is disrespectful. If you cannot abide by the guidelines, a simple search in any search engine will provide you with a multitude of non-moderated discussion groups, where you may disprespect anyone you please. Not here. >

"I feel my admission fee was wasted by the psychic amnesia and obvious unpreparedness of the grieving people who got readings but who could not remember their own name, their first husband's name, the fact that they were married before, the color of their house or what state they live in."

Nobody was "read" on that side of the room. A few people did get to ask questions; that is probably what you recall happening at the beginning. But NO readings. Except for questions John did not even look or acknowledge that side of the room.

I am sure the energy level was really high among those 15 people within my vision who were sleeping. Well, perhaps they were meditating, but the chanting they were doing sounded remarkably like snoring to me.

[Niesa]

Hi Pam! :)

Jesse was genuinely nice (you could just tell he's like that all of the time). He's extremely funny too! Yes it was the original woman that he came back to for the photo. He left our section, after a chuckle with the woman across the aisle from me, and went over to where the control table was. Another person came up to him and had another person take their picture together. Then he realized what he just did and turned around and came right back to the woman across the aisle from me and had his picture taken with her. Everyone around us started laughing when he turned around to look at her after he had his picture taken with the other person (the first one). He had this smile that said "Oh Oh!".:D

Hazygirl, I'm very sorry that you had such a bad time. You do need to remember that there was 1800 people there. Your side of the room was the last one to fill up as I remember, so maybe, since it wasn't as important for those people to get their earlier, they didn't have as much energy. I do hope that you get to go to another seminar and have a better experience. :) If we are lucky enough for John to come back, maybe you could contact me and we could manage to sit in the same section with all of the fun people. :D

[Tracesmom]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by hazygirl
"I feel my admission fee was wasted by the psychic amnesia and obvious unpreparedness of the grieving people who got readings but who could not remember their own name, their first husband's name, the fact that they were married before, the color of their house or what state they live in."

I was a little disappointed as well that some people were having such a difficult time remembering things but, for me, it didn't take away from how I felt about seeing John work in person. *That* was still incredible.

Nobody was "read" on that side of the room. A few people did get to ask questions; that is probably what you recall happening at the beginning. But NO readings. Except for questions John did not even look or acknowledge that side of the room. [/QOUTE]

There *was* one lady, I distinctly remember her validating her daughter Nicole, she had on a pink top I believe, there was also something about substance abuse that she validated. She was right back where my mom and I had been sitting (we'd moved up to the 4th and 5th row by the time the seminar started). She is also the same lady who towards the very end of the seminar asked John about "Precious Doe", the little girl who was found murdered in our community but has never been identified.

Shawne

[Pam]

I'm just curious hazygirl, have you lost anyone close to you? Have you ever experienced grief?

[hazygirl]

No offense intended here. I was not commenting about John or any of the posters on this board. If you read my comments carefully you will note I am commenting about the seminar participants.

I did not have a bad time. My experience at the seminar was very enlightening. I thought John did a wonderful job; he just didn't get much cooperation from the audience in terms of them being prepared or in them having and maintaining the type of energy that could have facilitated this seminar into greatness.

One of the more enlightening aspects was a reinforcement of my continual amazement that many people just plunder through life seemingly without effort and yet receive bounties of gifts (e.g., those who were unprepared with family information and yet still received a reading), and others do all the things expected of them and yet still go without (e.g., those with notebooks of information and high energy levels who not only did not get a reading but who also, beyond their control, got surrounded by rule-breakers and/or sleepers). I expected more from the type of people I thought would invest the large amount of time and money required to attend one of John's seminars. However, once again, my continued optimistic expectations conflicted with my observance of reality and disappointment ensued.

[hazygirl]

It seems harsh that you would question my sincerity. I was at the seminar for the same reason as everyone. Of course I have lost those close to me. Of course I have experienced grief. I think that is part of the human experience.

But unlike some of my fellow KC seminar participants, I don't attend seminars just to fall asleep and snore for two hours or have a rather loud and animated totallly off-subject conversation with my seatmate thus ruining others' experiences; I don't sneak in recording devices where they are forbidden; and I don't attend activities for which I am not prepared.

[Pam]

Originally posted by hazygirl
It seems harsh that you would question my sincerity.

It IS very possible that someone who was read at that seminar, reads this board, but does not post. That's a moot point anyway, as we respect the absent.

I don't believe your sincerity has been questioned. If you feel that way, I'm here to tell you that was not my intent.

Not everyone who comes to this subject or forum, comes because of grief. They may become because their spiritual beliefs were confirmed by John's work, or because of an interest in psychic ability.

I was simply trying to get to know you a little better, since you haven't posted an introduction.

I wouldn't judge the other participants quite so harshly, until you're being stared down by the self-admitted "cranky psychic" yourself. Even those who prepare for days on end, can suddenly draw a blank when the "famous TV psychic" is tapping his foot at you. Our own community member Patrick Notthingham wrote about his experience of preparing well, yet choking while being read in the Gallery, here. (http://www.johnedwardfriends.org/readingroom/readingroom-pn-1.shtml)

Until you're in their shoes, you can't really know what it's like, and simple appearances or outward actions while being read won't tell you whether or not they prepared for it, or whether or not they plundered into the position of receiving the bountiful gift of a reading.

I'm glad you found the seminar enlightening.

[kimk]

I would like to add a couple of cents worth of opinion here. I was read in San Francisco last May at a seminar of about 1500 people. I purchased tickets through ebay, interviewed relatives, took copious notes, read through them every night for a month, prayed and asked my relatives to come through. Was I prepared? Absolutely. When the big moment came, was I unbelievably nervous? Absolutely. Unfortunately, when I'm nervous I tend to well....make dumb jokes...ahem....babble a little...(ask JBannister, she was there).... I think you get the picture.

My point is, it's very unnerving to have that microphone in your face. I was able to validate everything he said because the info was fresh in my mind BUT I was talking really fast and appeared flustered. I guess you never know how you're going to react until it happens and if you didn't know me, you would think I was a little ditzy. Let me tell you, I am definitely NOT a ditz. It's a life changing moment and it affects everyone differently. Expectations of how it's going to be are really the culprit here. The one thing I had going for me was that I was able to leave my expectations outside and just absorb whatever happened. That open mindedness really allowed me to enjoy everything that came along.

[jjharts]

Originally posted by hazygirl

One of the more enlightening aspects was a reinforcement of my continual amazement that many people just plunder through life seemingly without effort and yet receive bounties of gifts (e.g., those who were unprepared with family information and yet still received a reading), and others do all the things expected of them and yet still go without (e.g., those with notebooks of information and high energy levels who not only did not get a reading but who also, beyond their control, got surrounded by rule-breakers and/or sleepers).
IMHO - Isn't it the people who "plunder" thru life the ones that need the "gifts" (readings) the most. The people who come to these events prepared most likely know that they don't need a reading to communicate with their crossed over loved ones.

[Pam]

Originally posted by jjharts

IMHO - Isn't it the people who "plunder" thru life the ones that need the "gifts" (readings) the most. The people who come to these events prepared most likely know that they don't need a reading to communicate with their crossed over loved ones.

Excellent point, you may be right. I found that the very act of documenting, gathering pictures, etc, *was* connecting with my crossed over relatives. It was an emotional experience, remembering things I had forgotten, or reading things that I had never seen before. I felt like my relatives were there with me, while I prepared. :)

[stormy]

This has turned into a very interesting thread. I've been lying back reading the posts and feeling a little guilty for not having posted yet regarding the KC seminar. I hate to use the old excuse "I've been really busy", but..... And that in itself is another story.

I attended the KC seminar with my sister. It was our second JE seminar and we will attend more if and when possible. We didn't get readings at either seminar, but we both get such a feeling of comfort and peace for those who do, even those who have difficulty validating at the time. I have no idea how I would respond in such a situation. I think I'd probably be a lot like kimk described herself. I'd probably even freeze up not able to utter even a "thank you". My Mom and Dad probably realize this as much as I realize I don't need JE to connect me with them (as JE would say). I know I connect with Mom and Dad every day, in my own way. I just want to say that I, like so many really enjoy experiencing what JE does for so many people.

My only complaint about the seminar is the way the room layout was set up. All seating was on floor level and realistically, everyone cannot arrive hours ahead of time and everyone won't have good seats. I ended up near the back of the room clear to the left of the stage platform and therefore was unable to see anything except for the backs of heads of people sitting in front of me. I'm sure had I been able to get a good seat, I wouldn't even think to express this. I compare the seating to the other seminar I attended in Amarillo which had floor level and stacked seating and my personal opinion is that arrangement seemed better for all who attended. Even those who sat in the back were able to see JE.

I do feel fortunate to have been able to attend two of JE's seminars as I have read posts from many who have not yet experienced that. I am also very happy for anyone who does get a reading from JE, and truly do feel they must be the one's who need it, or their loved ones who have crossed have the need to connect in that way.

BTW, there definitely was a reading in that location early in the seminar. The lady was in the row right in front of me and about eight chairs to my right. It was the lady who validated "Nicole".

[Amanda]

I think I can understand Hazy Girl's disappointment.

I too researched my family and our history diligently.

I tried to go to the seminar that I attended in Atlanta (this past June) with no expectations. I know now that it is impossible for me to do that.
I will always have expectations. Or maybe the better term for me is hopes. And boy did I have high ones!!

Although I enjoyed the Seminar immensely...(Just being in the same room with J.E. was wonderful)

I was extremely, bitterly, dissapointed that I personally did not receive the reading I so desperately wanted.

I felt cheated...I felt like I must have missed my opportunity.
There were so many references around our section that fit me and my family and I did not have the nerve to raise my hand.
Mainly because I was afraid that if I was wrong and the message wasn't for me I'd feel like a relative stealer.

As Bhappy stated before...knees do become a bit wobbly no matter how prepared you are and tongues get a little tied.
I for one doubt that if confronted with the microphone actually in my face that I could utter a sound. Well maybe a sound and that's about it.

My point is this...no matter how well prepared or practiced you are you can freeze up right at that all important moment when all eyes (or ears) are on you.

It took me a while to get over my disappointment and realize that there will be another time. Maybe this was just to give me a taste to keep my interest long enough for the biggie. Who knows, maybe the biggie will never come. Maybe there's a lesson in that too.

I know one thing, thanks to my research, in preparing for the seminar I now know my family and our history alot better and for that I am grateful.

I hope the best for you all.

[Pam]

I've also experienced the disappointment of not getting a reading, when I studied hard, spent hours writing names, dates and causes of death, and sorting through pictures to bring. I have also experienced frustration at people who couldn't validate immediately. Milwaukee was an extremely tough crowd. I've also wished the sound were better, or I could see better.

But then I think about the following:

People who couldn't validate at the moment, but then came back after a day or two, with a strong validation of the information. It touches me somewhere deep, when they say that their lives have been transformed by the evidence that their babies, wives, husbands or moms or dads are still loving them from the Other Side. If they can be so sure about their family, then I can be sure too.

I think about Jesus the teacher, speaking the *blessed are...*'s on a hill, and the multitudes of people that came "from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan" and wonder if those that sat on the hill that day, listening, even comprehended the magnitude of what they were witnessing. I ponder what I'd be willing to go through, or put up with, just to hear him speak, if he were to show up today.

I think about the throngs of the faithful that push and squeeze into the square at the Vatican, waiting for hours, maybe even days, for just a glimpse of the Pope when he appears briefly from his balcony to wave or offer a prayer.

I think about what could have happened to John on September 11, and that if the worst came true, that we wouldn't even be having this conversation, about disappointments experienced while in the same room where strong evidence of life after death was being presented for a mere 50 bucks.

I think about the article from Peggy Noonan that I posted, where she talks about the pros and cons of a convenient standard of living we have in the West, and a comfortable lifestyle. I take an inventory, wondering if I am truly grateful for every convenience, every person, every opportunity, and every miracle or gift from God that I have been lucky enough to be witness to.


I feel damn lucky to live in a time where such strong evidence and demonstration of life after death is available to me, and you won't hear any complaints from me. Yes, I've been disappointed too, but I can't bring myself to justify the disappointment, or to hang on to it. After considering all things, I find it easy to let the disappointment go.

[Tracesmom]

Originally posted by stormy
BTW, there definitely was a reading in that location early in the seminar. The lady was in the row right in front of me and about eight chairs to my right. It was the lady who validated "Nicole".

Thank goodness, lol, I was beginning to think I'd imagined it!! :jumper:

[Amanda]

Well said Pam.
(standing ovation over here) :bulb: