We have seen Freemasonry portrayed in film before, in movies like National Treasure and Dan Brown's Angels & Demons. But now, a new film by a fellow Freemason brings freemasonry to the spotlight in an exciting suspense film called The Freemason. This is part 2 of a 2 part interview (part 1) with a prolific entrepreneur, who will surely inspire you to reach out for your dreams, regardless of how impossible they might seem.We continue our conversation with the executive producer of The Freemason Movie.  In this portion of the interview, we talk more in depth about the three films that Joseph James has created in the relatively short, yet prolific filmmaking career. You will listen to Bro. James' experience working with the celebrated actor Sean Astin, who worked on such films as The Lord of the Rings, Rudy and Goonies. We explore the virtue of Resourcefulness, which can take us from where we are to where we want to be. When we are not held back by what we lack, but instead move forward appreciating and wisely utilizing what we do have.  You can learn more about The Freemason Movie by visiting its website www.TheFreemasonMovie.com , visit Joseph James Pages on Facebook www.FB.com/TheFreemasonMovie and www.FB.com/JosephJamesFilms. Follow him on Twitter @JosephJamesNews Here is the official preview of the movie. If you missed part 1 of this interview, you can listen to it here. If you don't want to miss future episodes of The Winding Stairs, make sure you sign up for our email updates to be among the first notified when new episodes and posts are published. Bonus: When you sign up for our newsletter, you also receive a FREE COPY of our book "Masonic Light Resource Report" Sign up here. Also on this episode: Masonic Conspiracies by Bro:. Robert Johnson Enjoy another installment of our popular segment Masonic Conspiracies, brought to you by Brother Robert Johnson. Brother Johnson is the producer of the Masonic Podcast "Whence Came You?" and is the Managing Editor of "The Midnight Freemasons".   You can also follow him on Facebook and Twitter.

Have you ever watched a movie where your see someone wearing a Masonic ring? Or in the background you see some symbols related to Freemasonry? On this episode we speak with Joseph James, he is an actor, writer and producer, who happens to also be a Freemason. His last three films center around the subject of Freemasonry, its history and its influence in modern society. We talk about what took him to Hollywood, his experience in Freemasonry, the importance of mentorship and apprenticeship among many other things. This is part 1 of a 2 part interview with a prolific entrepreneur, who will surely inspire you to reach out for your dreams, regardless of how impossible they might seem.How a Fellow Freemason, brought Freemasonry to the Big Screen I enjoyed my interview with Brother Joseph James and I think you will too, because in addition to shedding light on his films and Freemasonry's influence in it, we also discuss parallels between the film industry and Freemasonry. We talk about his earliest memories of the big screen and how early (or late) in his life he began exploring the idea of getting into the film business. I was inspired by his story of how he rented a 26 feet U Haul truck and took his family to Tinsel-Town in search of a dream. You can learn more about The Freemason Movie by visiting its website www.TheFreemasonMovie.com , visit Joseph James Pages on Facebook www.FB.com/TheFreemasonMovie and www.FB.com/JosephJamesFilms. Follow him on Twitter @JosephJamesNews Here is the official preview of the movie. Don't miss Part 2 of this interview. Make sure you sign up for our email updates to be among the first notified when new episodes and posts are published. Bonus: When you sign up for our newsletter, you also receive a FREE COPY of our book "Masonic Light Resource Report" Sign up here. Also on this episode: Masonic Conspiracies by Bro:. Robert Johnson Enjoy another installment of our popular segment Masonic Conspiracies, brought to you by Brother Robert Johnson. Brother Johnson is the producer of the Masonic Podcast "Whence Came You?" and is the Managing Editor of "The Midnight Freemasons".   You can also follow him on Facebook and Twitter.

You probably already know that life is comprised of a series of ups and downs; Twists and turns which end up testing us to the core. Hopefully, in our formative years, we were able to establish a solid foundation upon which to continue constructing the building that will ultimately be our life's biggest achievement. Even if we were fortunate enough to be standing upon a solid foundation, the solidity and stability of that foundation is bound to be tested from time to time. For some, a challenging situation could present itself in the form of a medical diagnosis, the loss of a loved one, a sudden financial burden or a host of other reasons. Regardless of what this traumatic situation might be, there are several steps you can follow to give you a better chance of recovering promptly from it. I have developed a simple to remember formula that can help you see things from a different perspective and hopefully surpass whatever situation is affecting you. I call it the S.T.A.R.T. Formula. Here are the steps: Survey Transform Aim Reach Transcend I have been working on this formula for a while and continue to improve upon its definition; However, its core definition and purpose has the potential of helping you endure and triumph over life's relentless challenges. Here is a detailed look at what each one of these steps can do to help you in your journey to triumph over your challenges and difficulties. Survey While you are enduring the challenge and immediately after it has passed (if it is a transient situation), pay close attention to what has actually happened and what damage has to be dealt with. The Survey phase of this formula has a dual purpose; It helps you measure the damage and how the situation has affected you and those around you.  If we were talking about the passing storm, then the Survey phase is the time spent evaluating the speed of the winds, the amount of precipitation and the potential damage that may affect the land in its path. This is also a good time to also spend time focusing on what has survived. Finding a silver lining during the surveying phase is an essential step because it helps us be grateful for that which we still have and reminds us that not all is lost. This gives us something to fight for and can help fuel our determination to fight and recover. Transform Sometimes all we need to do to begin changing our current situation, is to change our perspective about it. I love how Dr. Wayne Dyer puts it, he says "When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change". It often times is a change in perspective that can get your mind ready to begin moving in the right direction. After you have surveyed the damage, it is in your best interest to begin thinking objectively about the aftermath and prepare to change your attitude to recovery-mode. We often feel sorry for ourselves after enduring a tragedy and it is completely normal to run through a wide gamut of emotions when we face loss. However, here is where we do our best to employ the virtue of  Fortitude; Thereby, transforming our attitude from looking backwards to setting our sights forward. Aim   Surrendering to the circumstances is not an option, understanding the circumstances, learning from them and moving forward is our only option. Now that we have objectively surveyed the damage and transformed our attitudes about it, it is time to set our sights on rebuilding that which has been destroyed. It is now time to set new goals and begin looking optimistically at what is yet to come. This triumphant mentality can help us shake off the sadness and redirect our energy into taking action. After all, simply sitting down and doing nothing is not something that characterizes us. Of course, every circumstance is different and unique to every individual and there will be times that previous efforts and projects might have to be abandoned and a new plan must be started from scra...

Imagine losing 100% of your eye sight in the blink of an eye. How would that change your attitude towards life and the life of those who surround you.? On this episode of The Winding Stairs Masonic Podcast, we sit down with a best-selling author, public speaker and extraordinary Brother, who can answer these questions from a first person perspective. In this interview Marcus Engel talks to us about his journey in life and how he has made the best out of the horrible experience that almost took his life. In this interview we learn about: The importance of a Story and how it can help people change the way they look at life. How being present and helping others can turn any situation from horrible to inspiring. How we deal with our past and make decisions for the future. How empathy and compassion are not just good for those in the receiving end. How simply saying "I am Here" can transform somebody's life and even change their mission in life. In the interview you will hear us speaking about a challenging moment of his recovery. As a part of his recovery process, he had to learn how to live as a blind person. At one point he was challenged with what is called "The Drop". Instead of trying to explain it to you, I will let the talented filmmakers show you.  "There is nothing I can do to change what happens, All I can do is change the Future” -Marcus Engel Here are some of the books published by Marcus Engel. I'm Here- Compassionate Communication in Patient Care Everyday Inspiration After This- An Inspirational Journey for all the Wrong Reasons You can learn more about Marcus Engel by visiting his website: www.MarcusEngel.com  Masonic Art Prints Please remember to visit our Masonic Marketplace at FreemasonryArt.com, where you can find a growing selection of Masonic Art and Regalia. We are very proud of the quality and meaning behind every product we share through FreemasonryArt.com. Remember that in addition to including an inspirational artwork to your home, Lodge or Office, you are also helping in mitigating the growing costs of producing a quality podcast and blog.  We created this collection of Masonic Art Prints to inspire you and remind you of the powerful lessons that are contained within the beauty and wisdom of Masonic Symbolism. Whether you are looking to start your own collection or to decorate your Lodge, these prints make a good addition to your environment. To place your order visit FreemasonryArt.com Don't forget to continue your Masonic Education by visiting our Friends and Brothers at: Whence Came You Podcast The Midnight Freemason   Question of the Week: What would be a good way to show someone that you are there for them? How could you let people know "I'm Here" without using those exact words? -Please enter your answer in the comment section below and help us all be there for others-

5 Reasons why reading is not a waste of time Have you ever thought about reading a book and instead chosen to work on something else? or Have you ever felt the desire to just lay back on your favorite couch with a book on your hands, but changed your mind after thinking that it would be a waste of time? Think again! On this episode I want to share with you, 5 reasons Why reading daily is not a waste of time. Reason #1 Reading Reduces Stress. We are used to a fast paced lifestyle with many different things trying to get our attention. It is a healthy practice to take a few minutes or hours in a day to relax and read. Doing this can quiet all the noise that we have in our heads and helps us focus better and reduce our level of stress. Why is it so important that we reduce our level of stress? Because although stress is a mental response to stimulus, it can have a detrimental physiological effect. According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the effects of stress in our body include: Anxiety Sleeping disorders irritability anger social withdrawal Each one of these physical effects could add other troubles to our already-complicated life. Reason #2 Reading Improves Memory. Especially when you read right before bed. According to a study conducted by the University of Notre Dame and headed by Psychologist Jessica Payne on March of 2012. Recollection and accuracy were improved when the subjects of the study read or studied right before going to bed in contrast to their counterparts who read at the beginning of their day. This means that there is a marked benefit derived from spending a little time with a book, just before going to sleep. Another way in which memory is improved is by acting as stimulating brain activity. Similarly to playing board games or doing crossword puzzles, reading may reduce memory loss due to aging, according to a paper published in the New England Journal of Medicine from 2003. Reason #3 Increase your Knowledge. By reading every day, you also increase your knowledge and consequently become a more engaged conversationalist. Imagin the great benefits that can arise out of spending some time reading and learning new things. Things, which in turn become links which solidify your relationships and make you a more effective contributor to the education of future generations and of Masons who are initiated after you. You become a source of knowledge for the Craft. Reason #4 Become more creative.   From an artist perspective, I tend to be inspired the most, when I am exposed to new ideas and the creativity of others. Regardless of what your artistic inclination might be, you can derive inspiration when you read about other people and their resourcefulness. If you are a writer, then you need to consume material before you can produce material. Therefore, it is in your best interest as a creative individual to immerse yourself in books as sources of inspiration. Being careful not to simply imitate, but to explore different variations of your craft and start creating. Becoming aware of the creative expressions of others, might inspire you to create your next work of art; tangible or otherwise. Reason #5 Become a role model.   Not just to the newer generation of Masons who join our Fraternity, but also to the children in our lives. Children are very impressionable in their first few years of life and if we demonstrate a good example, they are likely to follow it. Imagine a child who grows up in a household where reading for an hour every night is a common practice. They are more likely to see this behavior as natural and by consequence more likely to emulate it. I remember my Mother reading her Bible every night, just before going to sleep. It served as an inspiration to me. I wish that I was as disciplined and dedicated to reading the Holy Scriptures daily, but today I look up to her example and look forward to living a similar life. In conclusion,

5 Simple Tips to help improve your Masonic Education Experience As you already know, the stability of a building is dependent on the strength of its foundation. Similarly, the educational foundation of every newly-initiated Mason is equally as important to their growth and progression through life. I have seen many Brothers who, soon after being accommodated in the North East corner of the Lodge, are anxious to rush through the Degrees of Craft Masonry. They are anxious to get through their memory work, to quickly get started learning what the York Rite, the Scottish Rite or any other Appendant Body of Freemasonry has to offer. Unfortunately, not all Brothers have the privilege of discovering the many levels of education within the Three Degrees of Craft Masonry and that by rushing through them, they are leaving on the table an inexhaustible amount of information that could strengthen their foundation. Here are 3 Simple Tips you could implement today in your Lodge, to make sure that Brothers gain a better appreciation for the wealth of information and experience that is at their service, if they take the time to dig deeper. Tip #1: Meeting Regularly In the united states, it is common that there is a stated meeting every other week. For ease of explanation, I will use my Lodge as an example. My Lodge has stated communications (regular meetings) the first and third Tuesday of every month. This gives us the chance to schedule Masonic Education Nights on the Second and Fourth Tuesdays of the Month, in addition to our regularly-scheduled stated communications. What are the benefits of doing this? The first benefit is consistency. For the Brothers who are married or have variable schedules at work, your spouse or boss will know that on Tuesday Nights, you have a commitment. It is clearly easier to answer, Is today tuesday? than to answer, is today the third Tuesday of the month? The second benefit of implementing the consistency of weekly meetings, is that there is always something to work towards. In some of the Lodges that I have seen implementing this technique, on the Masonic Education Night, they help brothers with their Memory Work. If there is an upcoming Degree, the Brothers can practice and help one another to improve upon their roles. Finally, the benefit of Fellowship and Brotherly Love. In today’s busy world, we often lose track of the importance of having regular diversions or interactions with our friends and Brothers. Having this weekly meeting, gives you an opportunity to know your Brothers better and solidify your relationships. Tip #2: Distinction between Instructor and Mentor Let’s face it, there is a lot to learn through the study of the Three Degrees in Freemasonry. The amount of memory work can be a little intimidating. However, by ensuring that there is a separation of roles between the Instructor and the Mentor, the newly initiated Brother has two experienced Brothers to help him in this task. First, let’s define the roles of the Instructor and the Mentor. The Instructor The instructor is that Brother who will assist the the newly-initiated Brother in learning his Memory work. He is the one to share techniques on how to better go through the material and memorize it. He will provide the technical feedback what is the best method to learn the lessons of the Craft and how to recall them when it is time to prove proficiency before the Craft. The instructor will also be the person to meet in the lodge room with the Brother, shortly after his initiation, to refresh his memory of everything that went through and help him remember the sequence of events which took place. I have seen this step being ignored too often, to the detriment of the instruction process. The importance of this exercise is that our brains are able to recall information more easily when provided with context. Basically, our brain will create connections between the information being received and the fe...

We are Honorable Men and should always act as such. Being an honorable man and behaving honorably are qualities that should set every Man and Mason apart. As members of the Most Honorable fraternity in the world, we are called to lead exemplary lives, which model the virtuous tenets inculcated in Freemasonry. Our Masonic Duty calls us to work daily in improving ourselves and become a better fit to the improvement of society. Join us as we explore a few ways in which we can lead by example and live a life worthy of a Master Mason. We are not perfect, but the acknowledgement of those imperfections are the first steps in becoming a better version of ourselves. Have you been witness to behaviors unbecoming of Masons? Learn how can you make a difference in your Lodge, in your Family and in your Community by behaving honorably. In this episode, we unveil the latest addition to The Winding Stairs lineup of Masonic Regalia and Art. Our Composite Collection of High Quality Masonic Aprons. View this collection by visiting http://www.TheWindingStairs.com/MasonicAprons Masonic Conspiracies by Brother Robert Johnson In this episode, Brother Robert Johnson from Whence Came You? Podcast brings us another insightful episode of Masonic Conspiracies. Brother Johnson is a regular contributor to The Winding Stairs, as well as to The Midnight Freemasons. His program brings a variety of interviews to prominent members of our fraternity. He also presents short masonic bulletins and varied forms of Masonic Education. I invite you to visit his page and make sure to subscribe to his show on iTunes and LIKE his Facebook Page.  How to behave honorably? To be mindful that people look at us extra carefully and expect us to act with honor. If we display the Square and Compasses in our vehicles, we should drive with courtesy, patience and restraint. If we see Brothers who are not making right decisions or are about to err, it is our duty to speak wise counsel to them and prevent them from falling.

  I In my search for light, I have found why "common sense" is so rare  am sure that you have heard the expression "common sense". I am also sure that by now you have probably noticed that there is nothing common about common sense.and why we should use the word "PRUDENCE" instead. I suggest we first look at prudence by exploring various definitions of the word. According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, prudence is defined as: 1: the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason 2: sagacity or shrewdness in the management of affairs 3: skill and good judgment in the use of resources 4: caution or circumspection as to danger or risk When looking carefully at the first definition, we encounter the words govern and discipline, in reference to oneself. In other words, prudence is a person’s ability to exercise self control in their decision making process. Through the use of reason, we are able to become better decision makers, especially when we are disciplined and controlled. I can’t help to think of government when I read the portion of the aforementioned definition which says “Govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason”. If we think of the non-political aspects of Governments, we can describe it as the development, implementation and revision of rules and regulations, with the intent of creating and preserving order in society. Likewise, when we govern ourselves, we should dedicate time to learn from our life experience and the lessons shared by others, to create rules and regulations to follow in order to implement and preserve an orderly life. In other words, you should look at the various scenarios you live through and attempt to develop your own set of rules on how to act in said circumstances. If you have these predetermined solutions to possible future conflicts, the probability of a satisfactory outcome when facing these hypothetical scenarios in real life, is increased. I compare this to the professional fighters of mixed martial arts, a multidisciplinary fighting style, who before entering the ring (or octagon) prepare for the fight by studying the various responses he is to implement when presented with specific sets of circumstances. A well rounded fighter would have enough experience in stand-up combat like kickboxing; enough experience in wrestling or judo to bring their opponent to the ground or resist being taken down and would have floor work experience like that provided by Jiu Jitsu. Each one of these examples of individual martial art styles have a vast number of moves for which their opponent needs to have a counter measure or defense. The greater the experience or knowledge in these various fighting disciplines, the better the chances the fighter has to at a moments notice, make the right moves to gain an advantage in the fight. This is the way we should look at Prudence. When we think of the possible scenarios we may face in life, or analyse those which we have already encountered, we can decide on what our reaction will be if we face those scenarios in the future. If this is the strategy we adopt, then by the time we enter the octagon of life and face our most feared contender, we have a fighting chance at a victory,  because we have prepared ourselves and envisioned our possible offensive and defensive strategy. On this episode of The Winding Stairs you can hear another installment of Masonic Conspiracies by Brother Robert Johnson from Whence Came You? Podcast. This time, he explores conspiracies about Draconian, Reptilian Entities bend on global domination through the implementation of secret societies. Yes, there are people out there that believe this is what we are about. I invite you to head over to Whence Came You? Podcast and enjoy the great content about Famous Freemason, Short Masonic Papers and Inspiring Stories from our Fraternity. If you are on Twitter, make sure to follow @WhenceCameYou Question of the Day:

The Winding Stairs Episode 5 Where is your Courage? Not everything in life comes easy to us. There are many things that are difficult and sometimes downright intimidating. When we face these things which intimidate us, our default reaction might be to avoid them and engage in other things. Although this might be a natural reaction or an instinctual response, it does not always serve its intended purpose. If we think about human evolution, we can understand that the spirit of self-preservation would have moved primitive humans to avoid overly dangerous or challenging situations. However, in today's world we retain that instinctive inclination to find the path of least resistance, even when that path would lead away from reaching our dreams and achieving those things we desire the most. What can we do to fight this urge to "survive"?  and instead choose that path that will help us Live and thrive, not just survive? The secret is in finding courage. Courage to live a life that fulfills us and allows us to experience our dreams. This does not mean that we will be fearless; for fear is a natural reaction to uncertainty and danger. What being courageous means, is to decide to take action, not without fear, but in spite of it. Where is your Courage? The 5 Places to look for Courage As we go through life, we are bound to encounter situations, which can be difficult and discouraging. This fact is inevitable, but there are several things we can do to make sure we are encouraged and continue moving forward. Look Behind: Retrospection We often forget about past victories; Especially when we are facing a challenge. This is the time when we can draw much needed courage from remembering those past successes. Bringing these moments to the present is sure to re-energize us and remind us that we have already achieved great things. By looking behind at those past triumphs, we create a momentum, which can carry us further than we think possible. If your job requires sales or persuation, you will agree with the notion that a second sale is easier than the first. Sales coaches often advise sales people to capitalize on the momentum created by that initial sale. That momentum will increase the confidence in the sales person and help him create subsequent sales. Similarly, when we look back at previous moments of success, our confidence increases and motivate us to push through the obstacles and achieve our desired goal. There is a biblical example of this concept in action. When a young David was considering standing against the [give brief background about philisteins threatening the israelites] giant, he reached back in to the moments he had defended his flocks from the attacks of a Lion. This gave him the courage necessary to confront an enemy, who had been undefeated and presented an unprecedented threat to the Israelite. Look Inside: Introspection Introspection is crucial in the development of confidence and the increase of courage. When we analyze ourselves and try to identify those thoughts, which may be holding us back, then we can correct them and gain confidence. We first have to be aware the things within us, which might be discouraging us to pursue those things we want to do. Understanding the root of our fears allows us to find specific solutions to those fears, increasing our chances of executing those plans, which we on which we have been procrastinating. Is it fear of failure? Are we trying to avoid embarassment? Are we too worried about what other people might think? These are all good questions in the search for those reasons within us, which might be holding us down.  With the same intensity, we should look inside ourselves for those qualities that will become handy if we embarq on our desired journey. If we familiarise ourselves with those qualities, which give us a good chance at being successful in our endeavour, then we will have a ready arsenal at our disposal to combat or counterbalance thos...

The Winding Stairs Episode 4:  Veiled in Allegory Freemasonry is described elegantly as a Science of Morality, Veiled in Allegory and Illustrated by Symbols. If there is nothing sinister in a science of morality, then why should it be veiled? On this episode we explore the reasons behind the allegorical teaching method and how well it works with the human mind. We introduce two new segments to our program: Masonic History Masonic Conspiracies by Bro:. Robert Johnson from Whence Came You? Podcast. Masonic History Masonic Apron Protects County Documents During the civil war, In Brunswick County Virginia, an act of benevolence, perhaps brotherhood, saved the county records from being destroyed. On May 15, 1864, Union troops were approaching the courthouse. The reputation that preceded this troops was an unnerving one for the county officials; especially since in addition to burning bridges and cutting confederate communication lines, some union troops were burning down the historical records as they moved through towns. As the Brunswick's county clerk of the courts, Edward Randolph Turnbull, received news of the impending arrival of the Union Troops, he resorted to a quite unconventional way of protecting his county's documents. He stacked the priceless documents on top of a table in the courthouse and draped them (veiled them) with his Masonic Apron hoping that, as many other Union Officers at the time, the approaching one was a Mason. This unorthodox yet inspiring defense seemed to have worked perfectly, as the apron was later delivered, presumably by a Union Troop, directly to Turnbull's house. When Turnbull returned to the courthouse, to his surprise, the office was ransacked, except for the stack of documents he had entrusted to the care of his Lambskin. You can read more about this piece of Masonic and American History by reading the original story featured in the Richmond Times Dispatch on March 17, 2013. It was written by Bill Lohmann. Masonic Conspiracies The Alleged Connection between Mormons, Freemasons and Aliens On this segment, Bro:. Robert Johnson shares a very interesting Conspiracy Theory that is being shared on the internet, regarding an alleged connection between religious leaders, The Freemasons, The Illuminati and even aliens. Don't miss this insightful contribution to the podcast, by our Brother and Producer of Whence Came You Podcast. You can listen to other Masonic Conspiracies (debunked) and valuable Masonic Discussions at WCYPodcast.com Veiled In Allegory Why is this morality veiled in allegory? If we think of the great teachers that have made a difference in history, many of them expressed themselves through the effective teaching tool of allegory. One of the most efficient ways in which people can acquire knowledge is by learning new things while comparing them to already known ones. When we learn to speak, we learn a few first words and continue increasing our vocabulary by adding more words and learning how those words relate to the ones previously learned. Similarly, when learning the science of arithmetic, we begin with basic concepts and rules, which increase in complexity, but always retain some similarities to those initial concepts we first learned. Therefore, when we think of the great lessons taught by the great teachers of history and the way in which they were able to express complex concepts by comparing and contrasting them with already familiar ones, we can observe how this technique cements new ideas permanently into our mind. This veil of allegory is not merely put into place to conceal information from others outside our Order, but more importantly to aid in the recollection of these lessons, because they are intrinsically connected to other lessons and life experiences we already posses. We all know how marvelous the human brain is in its efficiency and complexity, but very few people really know that one of the quali...

The Winding Stairs Podcast: Episode 3 What makes a man a good fit to become a Mason? In the construction of a building, the stability and suitability of the foundation is crucial in its longevity; Similarly, the moral, social and spiritual upbringing of a man can be described as his foundation and what makes him suitable to become and remain a Freemason. Masonic Education Revisited In episode 2 of The Winding Stairs (http://TheWindingStairs.com/002) we discuss various ways in which a man can acquire Masonic Light. Among them we discuss the continuous study of Masonic Literature, which today has become more accessible than ever, due to advances in technology like Google Books or LibriVox. These two valuable resources gives us access to countless publications related to our Fraternity. When do you spend time reading and studying? We posted a question on our Facebook page, regarding what time of day our listeners chose to read and study. One of the answers was that early in the morning before beginning the workday. I really enjoyed that answer because it relates to the topic of a solid foundation. I think about beginning the day by reading edifying content as the laying of a solid foundation upon which a productive day is erected. I encourage you to try it and welcome any suggestions you might have about how to start your day right or what is the ideal time for you to study. Enter your comments below or on our Facebook Page and adding your contributions there. A Solid Foundation: Is your temple resting upon the stability of a solid foundation? Like an architect ensures that the ground upon which the envisioned building will be constructed, as Masons we are responsible to ensure that those who knock on our Lodge's doors are given access to our family, only if they are found to posses a solid foundation. On our discussion of a Solid Foundation on the previous blog post, we talk about the example of the Tower of Pisa in Italy, which although it was a beautiful creation, those in charge of its construction did not prepare the ground adequately for a building of its magnitude. We admire the beauty of this building and the marvel of architecture and engineering that its preservation has become. However, countless hours and talent has been poured into preventing a catastrophe and maintaining the integrity of the building and it is a burden that could have been avoided from its inception. (we recommend that you also read the post titled "A Solid Foundation", which includes more information about the allegorical similarities between The Leaning Tower of Pisa and the importance of a solid foundation within those interested in freemasonry.) It would be wise for Lodge members, when given the opportunity to serve their Lodges as members of the petitions or investigative committees  to make sure that only those men who are worthy and well qualified are given admittance to our honorable fraternity. Not to heed this advise could result in the Lodge incurring in unnecessary time and effort to revert the mistake made initially  We are the stewards and guardians of this Brotherhood and if we give admittance to people whose intention is not honorable, we jeopardize the future of our Lodges and the harmony within it. 5 Simple Requirements for a Man interested in joining Freemasonry 1. Honorable Man: Freemasonry opens its doors to men of honor. To good men, of good character and high morals. 2. Lawful Age: This requirement varies between States, but normally fluctuates between 18 and 21 years of age. If you are younger than this, there are Masonic Youth organizations like DeMolay International, which works closely with local Masonic Lodges. 3. Well Recommended: For a candidate to gain admittance to the Order, he must enjoy a good reputation and have other Freemasons willing to recommend him. But, what if you don't know any Masons? If you contact your local Lodge and are invited to visit them,

The Winding Stairs Episode 2: Masonic Education When a man decides he wants to learn more about Freemasonry, often times it is because they see something admirable on others who are already members of the Fraternity. It often stems from the desire to grow as human beings and serve as an example for others. However, merely joining the Fraternity is not enough. It is important that a Man stays desirous of Light in order for that wish of improvement to become a reality. Therefore, it is through the conscious effort to learn and apply the tenets of Freemasonry, that a Man can thereby become the inspiration to others who have not yet joined the Craft. As we improve ourselves, through the steady pursuit of Light, we become better Men and become an integral part of the cycle of self-improvement afforded to us by Freemasonry. In This Episode of The Winding Stairs Podcast you will find: Topic Update: We briefly revisit our study on Patience. The introduction of a New Program Segment titled: “In The News”. We will discuss various resources of Masonic Education. We highlight some of your comments from the previous episode. Are you enjoying this program? I hope you find the content of this program to be edifying; So, please let us know your opinion about this and other episodes by leaving your comments in the comments section. Your ratings and reviews on any of the audio players will be greatly appreciated and they help the show become better every time. Supplement your Masonic Education by listening to Masonic Programs We invite you to listen, in addition to this program, to a great Masonic Program titled “Whence Came You?” Hosted by Brother Robert Johnson. It includes reviews on Masonic Papers, Information on Famous Freemasons and it brings some obscure Freemason Conspiracies to light and dispels their claims. Overall it is a very edifying and entertaining program. You can find it by visiting http://www.WCYPodcast.com or find him on http://Facebook.com/WhenceCameYou . Patience Revisited: We read what King Solomon said about the relationship between Wisdom and Patience. For this fascinating nugget of information we go to the New International Version of the Bible for Reference. Why quote from the Bible? The Holy Bible is My Great Light, but even if it is not the same Source of Light as yours, we should recognize that it includes great truths, just like many other volumes of Sacred Law and it is prudent for us to not dismiss their Light simply because we follow a different Faith. Proverbs 19:11 “A person’s wisdom yields patience; It is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” New Segment: In The News An Exhibition titled “Treasures of Arkansas Freemasonry” opens at the Historic Arkansas Museum. The exhibition was organized by the Grand Lodge of Arkansas to celebrate their 175th Anniversary from receiving their charter in 1853. The exhibition features an Exhibition of Masonic Treasures from 1838 to the present and includes artifacts like: Masonic Aprons Jewels Gavels The chair of Arkansas most famous Mason, Albert Pike George Washington Family Bible When? February 8 - July 12, 2013 For more information Link: http://www.historicarkansas.org/exhibits/newsDetail.aspx?id=254 The second news article is about an arson attempt, which was thwarted by a Brother who was in the building at the time of the intrusion.Where? Cincinnati Lodge No. 3 in Morristown NJWhen? February 8th 2013 around 10:30 pmA man broke through the front doors of the Lodge carrying jugs full of gasoline.A Lodge caretaker happened to be inside the Lodge at the time and managed to wrestle and restrain the man until the police came to arrest him. The brother sustained minor injuries and the Lodge’s only reported damaged was as a result of the combustible that was spilled in the ordeal. Help us keep the program growing When you place an order through the Marketplace section of The Winding St...