Gratitude breaks the spell of Writers Block |
Staring at a blank page is like staring into a snowfield. The snow, untouched by civilization and unmarked by living creatures, blinds you for a few minutes, it glistens reflecting subtle shades of pure white and rainbows at odd angles. If you stare at the snow too long, you get lost in the interplay of light and shadow. As the day wears on, you become awestruck at the beauty of the snow's perfection. You marvel at the way an oak tree cast its ebony shadow across the pure white snow. You watch the tree's shadow change, grow and shrink, as Earth turns and the sun moves from morning to evening. If you stand out in the snow too long without moving, you risk snow bite or freezing. If you are fortunate, a red fox will walk across your line of sight. The fox will leave his footprints written in the snowfield. As you watch the fox move, the spell holding you in one spot staring at the snow is broken. You are free to go inside out of the cold and out of danger. I must say, writing 500 words a day isn't difficult, unless I'm attempting to write on a single subject. On Monday, October 28, 2013, I began posting my weekly goals at "Weekly Goals" . On Tuesday, October 29, 2013 I began keeping track of may accomplished goals in this journal. "O SON OF BEING! Bring thyself to account each day ere thou art summoned to a reckoning; for death, unheralded, shall come upon thee and thou shalt be called to give account for thy deeds." Bah'u'll'h The Hidden Words of Bah'u'll'h, Part I.'From the Arabic, #31, page 11 'Heinlein's Rules for Writers Rule One: You Must Write Rule Two: Finish What Your Start Rule Three: You Must Refrain From Rewriting, Except to Editorial Order Rule Four: You Must Put Your Story on the Market Rule Five: You Must Keep it on the Market until it has Sold' Robert A. Heinlein It is enjoined upon every one of you to engage in some form of occupation, such as crafts, trades and the like. We have graciously exalted your engagement in such work to the rank of worship unto God, the True One. Ponder ye in your hearts the grace and the blessings of God and render thanks unto Him at eventide and at dawn. Waste not your time in idleness and sloth. Occupy yourselves with that which profiteth yourselves and others. Thus hath it been decreed in this Tablet from whose horizon the day-star of wisdom and utterance shineth resplendent. Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah Revealed After the Kitab-i-Aqdas, Pages 21-29: gr 32 I changed the way I did entries in this book several times. Beginning on March 21, 2018 the entries will cover the topics of spiritual, inspirational, and religions. However, the genres it will be under are Women's, Inspirational, and Spiritual with a tag of Religious. |
Istijlal (Majesty), 12 Qawl (Speech) 177 B.E. - Thursday, December 3, 2020 On the first Thankful Thursday in December 2020, I am thankful ... ...for "Thankful Thursday" . ...that I don't owe anything on the electric bill this month. ...for the space heater I have, so I don't have to turn on the heat. ...that I finished "Winter Blooming" today. ...for the small raise I got on my Social Security starting in January. ...that I entered "2020: The Good, The Bad, and The Weird" in the December Bard's Hall contest. ...for the fresh brewed coffee I had this morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the two new websites my brother told me about today. |
Istijlal (Majesty), 5 Qawl (Speech) 177 B.E. - Thursday, November 26, 2020 Thanksgiving On Thanksgiving 2020 I am grateful for the revelation of Baha'u'llah, and His concept of Progressive Revelation. Progressive Revelation unites all the Divine Messengers as part of God's plan for humanity. Some of God Manifestations or Messengers--such as Christ and Muhammad--were mentioned by name in the scripture revealed by Baha'u'llah, while others were not mentioned by name. "...within the ocean of divine unity, thou wilt view all the Prophets and Messengers of God as one soul and one body, as one light and one spirit, in such wise that the first among them would be last and the last would be first. For they have all arisen to proclaim His Cause and have established the laws of divine wisdom. They are, one and all, the Manifestations of His Self, the Repositories of His might, the Treasuries of His Revelation, the Dawning-Places of His splendour, and the Daysprings of His light..." I am thankful for Baha'iTeaching.org , because they have thought provoking, opinion articles that help give me me a deeper understanding of the Baha'i Teachings. These articles cover numerous topics, such as Prophecies Fulfilled, Baha'i History, Meditation, Prayer, etc. I am thankful for YouTube, because I can access various Baha'i educational and musical videos on my computer or smartphone. I am thankful for the videos is "The Prisoner of Akka"--which I can access on YouTube--because it is educational, inspiring, and one of my favorite videos. I am thankful that I have a copy of The Kitáb-i-Íqán (The Book of Certitude), because in it Baha'u'llah explains the symbols of the Holy Books. I am thankful that I have a copy of The Hidden Words, because it is the inner essence of the revelation of all the Prophets. I am thankful that this is not the holiday season I celebrate, because I can relax--without worrying about what I am going to give others--and enjoy watching my neighbors, friends, and family celebrate their holiday season. I am thankful for Baha'u'llah's injunction to search for truth myself, because it encourages me to ask questions about what I read online and in the sacred scriptures. It also encourages me to look into the history I was not taught in school. I am thankful for writing.com, because it gives me access to different stories, poems, and essays. I also gives me a place to get feed back on my literary compositions. Footnotes |
Istijlal (Majesty), 17 Qudrat (Power) 177 B.E. - Thursday, November 19, 2020 Today I am thankful ... ...for the poinsettias De's brother left for us today. Istiqlal (Independence), 18 Qudrat (Power) 177 B.E. - Friday, November 20, 2020 I began this Thankful Thursday entry yesterday. Since I did not complete my gratitude list I am continuing it today, Friday, November 20, 2020. I noticed that, for several weeks, I have not completed my nine items gratitude list. I suspect this is just another 2020 test, which will clear up in 2021, so that I can deal with different tests and difficulties issues. Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for hot, black coffee on this beautiful Autumn morning. ...that there are only 34 days until Christmas, because that means there are only 33 days until my birthday. ...for the chocolate cupcake with chocolate icing that I had for my morning snack. ...that I have, so far, written 30,063 words for NaNoWriMo. Jalal (Glory), 19 Qudrat (Power) 177 B.E. - Saturday, November 21, 2020 It's Saturday, and I'm still attempting to finish my Thankful Thursday gratitude list. I am also attempting to finish a letter in "Epistles From My Soul" that I started on Wednesday. I'm sure there are other things I have to do, such as post an entry to "I Blog Poetry and Prose" , and I'll (hopefully) get to those this weekend. Today I am thankful ... ...for Mema because she lays in my lap and purrs. ...that I have 434,112 GPs in my Gift Points account. ...for chocolate rice crispie treats. |
Istijlal (Majesty), 10 Qudrat (Power) 177 B.E. - Thursday, November 12, 2020 Today I am thankful for the healing prayers revealed by the Bab, Baha'u'llah, and 'Abdu'l-Baha. Whenever I read or recite one of those prayers my mood changes for the better. I become a more positive person, and can face any problem that arises in my life. One of my favorite prayers by Baha'u'llah is "Thy name is my healing,.." "Thy name is my healing, O my God, and remembrance of Thee is my remedy. Nearness to Thee is my hope, and love for Thee is my companion. Thy mercy to me is my healing and my succor in both this world and the world to come. Thou, verily, art the All-Bountiful, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise."4 Today I am thankful for the cat laying on my lap, because she is warm and purrs. Footnotes |
Istijlal (Majesty), 3 Qudrat (Power) 177 B.E. - Thursday, November 5, 2020 "Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth is a direct evidence of the revelation within it of the attributes and names of God, inasmuch as within every atom are enshrined the signs that bear eloquent testimony to the revelation of that Most Great Light..." On the first Thankful Thursday in November 2020, O Lord, thank you for the bright sun, the singing birds, and the clear blue sky. Footnotes |
Istijlal (Majesty), 15 Ilm (Knowledge) 177 B.E. - Thursday, October 29, 2020 On the last Thankful Thursday in October 2020, I contemplate the end of a stressful and weird year. I am thankful that I survived to this point, and hopeful to survive the rest of the year. I am thankful that this election will soon be history. |
Istijlal (Majesty), 8 Ilm (Knowledge) 177 B.E. - Thursday, October 22, 2020 Praise be to Thee, O Lord of Eternity! Thank You, O All-Glorious Creator, for raising the expression of art to an act of worship. Praise be to Thee, O Lord of Reality! Thank You, O Forgiver of sins, for raising the practice of one's profession to an act of worship. Praise be to Thee, O Unifier of Humanity! Thank you, O Bestower of Blessing, for raising the practice of science to an act of worship. There are about 69 days left in this interesting, stressful, aggravating, weird, and inspiring year. Hopefully 2021 will be less stressful and aggravating, while becoming more interesting and inspiring. As for weirdness, it doesn't matter to me it next year is weirder or less weird, because I'm sure I can deal with weird. There are a lot of things I'm thankful for today. First, I mailed my absentee ballot off today, Second, so far this month my checking account hasn't been overdrawn; it's been low on cash, but not overdrawn. Third, we--or rather my housemate--got a female kitten, and named her Memaw. She is a wonderful purring bundle of irritation and joy. |
Istijlal (Maqjesty), 1 Ilm (Knowledge) 177 B.E. - Thursday, October 15, 2020 Feast Day of Knowledge "The gift of God to this enlightened age is the knowledge of the oneness of mankind and of the fundamental oneness of religion." ‘Abdu'l-Bahá Facebook Status Update Attended the zoom meeting of Feast of Knowledge on Wednesday evening. Beautiful music, beautiful scripture readings, all very inspiring. Today I am thankful ... ...that I was able to attend the Feast of Knowledge last night. ...for the fresh brewed coffee I had this morning. ...that I was able to attend the zoom meeting "Evening of Enlightenment" on Tuesday, October 13. This meeting was sponsored by the local Race Amity Committee, and we received information about the history of racism in America. ...for the coffee cake I had to go with my coffee. ...that I have 39,250 points in my YouGov account. ...for The Literature Network Religious page , because I can find The King James Version of the Bible, The Bhagavad-Gita, and Al-Qur'an) among other sacred scriptures. ...that I have 201 points in my Survey Junkie account. |
Facebook Status Update Jamal (Glory), 16 Mashiyyat (Will) 177 B.E. - Sunday, October 11, 2020 A little slow, a little foggy today, prayer by prayer the fog moves away revealing the light of day. |
Istijlal (Majesty), 13 Mashiyyat (Will) 177 B.E. - Thursday, October 8, 2020 Facebook status update On this beautiful Thankful Thursday morning I am thankful for The Bab, Baha'u'llah, and 'Abdu'l-Baha. Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for black coffee on this beautiful autumn morning. ...that I was able to purchase a 6-month premium plus membership to writing.com with the gift points in my account. ...for the banana I had to go with my coffee. ...that "Unrest in 2020" was one of the winners in "Stormy's poetry newsletter & contest" . ...for the strawberry yogurt I had for my breakfast. |
Istijlal (Majesty), 6 Mashiyyat (Will) 177 B.E. - Thursday, October 1, 2020 Today I am thankful... ...for fresh brewed black coffee on this beautiful autumn morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the chocolate cake I have to go with my coffee this morning. ...that I received a merit badge today. |
Istijlal (Majesty), 18 Izzat (Might) 177 B.E. - Thursday, September 24, 2020 Today I am thankful ... ...that I have internet access because I can find the sacred scriptures of the Baha'i Faith and any other sacred book online. ...for fresh brewed black coffee on this beautiful Autumn morning. ...that "Winter in Post Hole, Arizon" was featured in "Fantasy Newsletter (September 23, 2020)" . ...for the cookies I had to go with my morning coffee. ...that I was able to transfer $6.08 from my PayPal account to my checking account. ...for the $1.00 I have in my Vindale Research account. ...that my Bank of America checking account isn't overdrawn today. ...for the inspiration of Sifter of Dust |
Jalal (Glory), 13 Izzat (Might) 177 B.E. - Saturday, September 19, 2020 To Ruth Bader Guinsburg https://poet999.blogspot.com/2020/09/to-ruth-bader-guinsburg.html Crusader for justice and gender equality, strong woman, lady, and woman of faith. Our duty now is to continue her legacy, continue seeking equality and justice, and continue letting her words inspire our actions. |
Istijlal (Majesty), 11 Izzat (Might) 177 B.E. - Thursday, September 17, 2020 Today I am thankful... ...for Facebook memories. This is from 2018 My name is Neva. I am a Baha'i, and I love Baha'u'llah in addition to the other Messengers sent by God. I do my best to obey Baha'u'llah teachings; however, since I am only human I sometimes fail. I believe that Baha'u'llah fulfills the prophecies of the the Messengers that came before. I believe in the three Onenesses: The Oneness of God, the common foundation of all religions, and the oneness of humanity. I wrote this in response to a challenge. If you want to copy and past it go ahead. If you want to write your own beliefs that is alright as well. ...that my out patient surgery went well. ...for the produce that Karen brought to us today. ...that I finished my edition of the spiritual newsletter yesterday. ...for the merit badge I received today. |
Istijlal (Majesty), 4 Izzat (Might) 177 B.E. - Thursday, September 10, 2020 On the second Thankful Thursday in September 2020, I am sharing a Thankful Thursday poem I wrote several years ago. The fifth day of the Gregorian week Holds a special place for praise an gratitude: All praise to the Singularity that created the universe. Name the Essence what y ou will, if that names helps you to worship: King of kings, Allah, Jehovah, Lord of Host, Baha-- Faith in God does not affect the Essence-- Unbelief or belief shapes the individual soul, Love the Creator with all your being. Thank God in adversity! Hallelulah! Upon rising each morning shout your joy, Raise your voice in praise, gratitude, and thanksgiving. Sing or shout your blessings to the world; Do not remain silent. Joy and gratitude attract blessings. Alláh-u-Abhá! Yá Bahá’u’l-Abhá! |
Istijlal (Majesty), 16 Asma (Names) 177 B.E. - Thursday, September 3, 2020 "In prosperity, all praise is Thine, O Lord of the Worlds, and in its absence, all gratitude is Thine, O Desire of them that have recognized Thee!" O Lord of the Universe, On the first Thankful Thursday of September 2020, I give thanks for the beauty of a hot late summer day, for the cereal I had for breakfast, and for the coffee and cookies I had for my morning snack. Footnotes |
Istijlal (Majesty ), 9 Asma (Names) 177 B.E. - Thursday, August 27, 2020 Today I am thankful .. ...that I have $2.35 in my Survey Junkie account., ...for the fresh brewed black coffee I had this morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn. ...for the paratransit drivers that took me to my doctor's appointment this morning and brought me home. ...that several people responded to "Spiritual Newsletter (August 26, 2020)" ...for the peaches I got at the Farmer's Market last week. They were sweet and good tasting: Heavenly! ...that I have 35,700 points in my YouGov account. |
Istijlal (Majesty), 2 Asma (Names) 177 B.E. - Thursday, August 20, 2020 Today I am thankful ... ...that I was able to attend the Feast of Asma (Names) last night via a Zoom meeting. ...for the fresh vegetables and fruit I was able to purchase today at the Farmer's Market. ...that my poem "In Praise of Dawn" in "Spiritual Newsletter (August 19, 2020)" . ...for fresh brewed black coffee. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn. ...for the opportunity I had today to mention the Baha'i Faith to someone I was talking to on the phone. |
Fidal (Grace), 19 Kamal (Perfection) 177 B.E. - Tuesday, August 18, 2020 Tuesday Contemplation: August 18, 2020 https://poet999.blogspot.com/2020/08/tuesday-contemplation-august-18-2020.html I contemplate the big tent of humanity-- one species-- attempting to unite in its diversity. Jalal (Glory), 4 Asma (Names) 177 B.E. - Saturday, August 22, 2020 How Has Baha'u'llah Blessed Me? https://poet999.blogspot.com/2020/08/how-has-bahaullah-blessed-me.html He has answered all of my questions, With the pen of His revelation. Jamal (Beauty), 5 Asma (Names) 177 B.E. - Saturday, August 23, 2020 God's Promise https://poet999.blogspot.com/2020/08/gods-promise.html We are moving toward God's promise of world peace and unity every day. Jalal (Glory), 11 Asma (Names) 177 B.E. - Saturday, August 29, 2020 Creativity Attribute of Divinity The universe created |
Istijlal (Majesty), 12 Kalimat (Words) 177 B.E. - Thursday, July 23, 2020 On the fourth Thankful Thursday in July 2020, I am thankful... ...for fresh brewed black coffee each morning; ...that I was able to get a hair cut a few weeks ago; ...for the peanut butter cookies I had with my coffee this morning; ...that I was able to make an OTC order from Humana's OTC pharmacy today. |