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. |
Fiḍál (Grace), 5 Bahá (Splendor) 177 B.E. Tuesday, March 24, 2020 Early Spring1 In early spring the temperature if fickle, sometimes warm and sometimes cold. In early spring the wind caresses pollen baring trees causing people to sneeze. Gratitude List for 5 Baha Today I am thankful ... ...for the yogurt I had for breakfast. ...that I have 704 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for fresh brewed coffee on this beautiful spring morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn. ...for the lemon pie I had to go with my coffee this morning. ...that I have 1,076,962 GPs in my Gift Points account. Footnotes |
Kamál (Perfection), 4 Bahá (Splendor) 177 B.E. Monday, March 23, 2020 Humanity Will Survive2 Humanity will survive! We will pass through this present crises, and become a more united species. Gratitude List for 4 Baha Today I am thankful ... ...for fresh brewed coffee on this chilly spring morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn this morning. ...for the breakfast pastry I had to go with my coffee. ...that I have 697 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the watermelon I had with my lunch. Footnotes |
Jamál (Beauty), 3 Bahá (Splendor) 177 B.E. Sunday, March 22, 2020 A Poem3 A poem exists somewhere in space and time until the poet pens the rhyme. A poem is born when the poet's soul writes it in the poet's mind. A poem lives when the reader intones it. Gratitude List for 3 Baha Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account isn't overdrawn today. ...for fresh brewed coffee on this beautiful spring morning. ...that I have $9.31 in my Vindale Research account. ...for the marshmallow dream bar I have to go with my coffee. ...that I have 655 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the homemade sweet tea I had this afternoon. Footnotes |
Jalál (Glory), 2 Bahá (Splendor) 177 B.E. Saturday, March 21, 2020 World Poetry Day 20204 Happy World Poetry Day 2020! With the shelter-in-place order in effect, it's time to read your favorite poem or write a poem dedicated to your favorite poet. Gratitude List for 2 Baha Today I am thankful ... ...that I was able to watch the celebration of Naw-Ruz on line last night. ...for fresh brewed coffee on this beautiful spring morning. ...that I have 623 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the breakfast pastry I have to go with my coffee. ...that I have $6.16 in my Inbox Dollars account. ...for the pleasant spring day because we can leave the front door open. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today . ...for the sparrows I heard singing this morning. ...that I have $8.51 in my Vindale Research account. ...for the popcorn I have as my afternoon snack. ...that I have 1,070,109 GPs in my Gift Points account. ...for the homemade sweet ice tea I had this afternoon. Footnotes |
Istiqlál (Independence), 1 Bahá (Splendor) 177 B.E. Friday, March 20, 2020 Naw-Ruz 177 B.E. and the Feast Day of Baha The Feast Day of Baha5 On the Feast Day of Baha the splendor of the New Year rose resplendent above Sunrise Mount casting the glory of dawn across the planet. In the first light of day the excellence of spring warmed the cold ground of winter causing it to give birth and bring forth new life. Gratitude List for 1 Baha Today I am thankful ... ...for fresh brewed coffee on the beautiful spring morning. ...that I was able to finish The Baha’i Festival of Naw-Ruz, Explained by Christopher Buck. ...for the breakfast pastry I had to go with my coffee. ...that I was able to finish Happy Baha’i New Year!! From the Editors. ...for the watermelon I had to go with my egg and cheese breakfast. ...that I was able to finish Joy Over Anxiety: UN International Day of Happiness by Deanne LaRue. Footnotes |
Istijlál (Majesty), 19 ʻAláʼ (Loftiness) 176 B.E. Thursday, March 19, 2020 On the Nineteenth Day of Fast6 I contemplate the coming year full of joy, hope, and sharing the word of Baha'u'llah on the unity of humanity. Gratitude List for 19 ʻAláʼ Today I am thankful ... ...that I have 605 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for fresh brewed coffee on this chilly morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account isn't overdrawn today. ...for the double chocolate chip muffin I had to go with my coffee. ...that I have 1,65,884 GPs in my Gift Points account. ...for the slice of watermelon I had for breakfast. Footnotes |
ʻIdál (Justice), 18 ʻAláʼ (Loftiness) 176 B.E. Wednesday, March 18, 2020 On the Seventeenth Day of Fast7 I inhale the chill of morning, and meditate on the meaning of the Nineteen-Day Fast: Letting Go and Letting God. Gratitude List for 18 ʻAláʼ Today I am thankful ... ...that I was able to pick up my March Senior Commodities allotment today. ...for the fresh brewed coffee I had this morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the double chocolate cupcake I had this morning with my coffee. ...that I have 1,015,134 GPs in my Gift Points account. ...for the chocolate covered crunch dibs I had as my afternoon snack. ...that I have $28.89 in my Send Earnings account. On the Eighteenth Day of Fast8 I give thanks for the blessing of the Fast, and the approach of Naw-Ruz. Footnotes |
Fiḍál (Grace), 16 ʻAláʼ (Loftiness) 176 B.E. Tuesday, March 17, 2020 On the Sixteenth Day of Fast9 I meditate on a Fasting prayer: it is the wine of Divine love flowing from the Holy Spirit into the chalice of immortality. Gratitude List for 16 ʻAláʼ Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account isn't overdrawn. ...for fresh brewed coffee on this beautiful winter morning. ...that I have 578 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the penny I found laying face up on the floor. ...that I have 1,012,434 GPs in my Gift Points account. ...for the Arizona sweet ice tea I had for dinner. Facebook Status Update The world has gone utterly mad! I WILL NOT panic! I have placed all my affairs in the hands of Baha'u'llah. Footnotes |
Kamál (Perfection), 15 ʻAláʼ (Loftiness) 176 B.E. Monday, March 16, 2020 On the Fourteenth Day of Fast10 When the body fast the soul sips the wine of faith from the chalice of God's Word. Gratitude List for 14 ʻAláʼ Today I am thankful ... ...for fresh brewed coffee on this beautiful morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account isn't overdrawn today. ...for mini chocolate covered doughnuts to go with my coffee. ...that I have 504 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the mini chocolate Easter egg I had for my morning snack. On the Fifthteenth Day of Fast11 I focus my meditation upon the Word of God revealed by Baha'u'llah, the Glory of God. Footnotes |
Jalál (Glory), 13 ʻAláʼ (Loftiness) 176 B.E. Saturday, March 14, 2020 On the Thirteenth Day of Fast12 Fast prayers inspire Encourage the poet to write Odes to the All-Glorious Lord, Praising the Glory of God. Gratitude List for 13 ʻAláʼ Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account isn't overdrawn today. ...for fresh brewed coffee on this beautiful morning. ...that I have 462 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the Arizona sweet ice t ea I had with my lunch ...that we can leave the front door open today. Jamál (Beauty), 14 ʻAláʼ (Loftiness) 176 B.E. Sunday, March 15, 2020 Gratitude List for 14 ʻAláʼ Today I am thankful ... ...for fresh brewed coffee on this beautiful morning. ...that my Bank of America account isn't overdrawn today. ...for the chocolate covered doughnuts I had with my coffee. ... that I was able to finish the March edition of the fantasy newsletter. ...for the Cheetos I had for my afternoon snack. Footnotes |
Istijlál (Majesty), 11 ʻAláʼ (Loftiness) 176 B.E. Thursday, March 12, 2020 On the Eleventh Day of Fast13 I read Fasting by Jelaluddin Rumi, and it was a beautiful description of the Fast. Gratitude List for 11 ʻAláʼ Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account isn't overdrawn. ...for fresh brewed coffee on this beautiful morning. ...that I have 349 points in my Survey Junkie account. Istiqlál (Independence), 12 ʻAláʼ (Loftiness) 176 B.E. Friday, March 13, 2020 On the Twelfth Day of Fast14 Tranquility embraces the mind and the soul of the individual that places complete trust in the All-Glorious Lord. Gratitude List for 12 ʻAláʼ Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for fresh brewed coffee on this cloudy winter morning. ...that I have 451 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the rain we received yesterday. ...that I have 1,002,209 GPs in my Gift Points account. ...for the good night's sleep I got last night. Footnotes |
Fiḍál (Grace), 9 ʻAláʼ (Loftiness) 176 B.E. Tuesday, March 10, 2020 On the Ninth Day of Fast15 I contemplate detachment, and comprehend it as one benefit of fasting. Gratitude List for 9 ʻAláʼ Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America account is not overdrawn today. ...for fresh brewed coffee on this cloudy winter morning. ...that I have 235 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the breakfast cake I had for my morning snack. ...that I was able to finish Fasting the Time of Spiritual House Cleaning by Badi Shams. ...for the cream of mushroom soup I had for lunch. ʻIdál (Justice), 10 ʻAláʼ (Loftiness) 176 B.E. Wednesday, March 11, 2020 On the Tenth Day of Fast16 Oh Lord, I am a pebble resounding with Thy praise in this age of unity. Gratitude List for 10 ʻAláʼ Today I am thankful ... ...that my story "Vampires and Blue Skies" was featured in "Fantasy Newsletter (March 11, 2020)" . ...for fresh brewed coffee on this beautiful winter morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account isn't overdrawn today. ...for the breakfast cake I had with my coffee. ...that I received two responses from "Spiritual Newsletter (March 11, 2020)" . ...for the cheese burger and fries I had for lunch. ...that I have 321 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the sprite I had to go with my lunch. Footnotes |
Jamál (Beauty), 7 ʻAláʼ (Loftiness) 176 B.E. Sunday, March 8, 2020 On the Seventh Day of Fast17 Sleep arrives on the wings of prayer revealed for the Nineteen-day Fast, and I realize that, because of age and medication, I miss fasting. Gratitude List for 7 ʻAláʼ Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account isn't overdrawn today. ...for fresh brewed coffee on this beautiful winter morning. ...that I was able to pay part of the power bill today. Kamál (Perfection), 8 ʻAláʼ (Loftiness) 176 B.E. Monday, March 9, 2020 On the Eighth Day of Fast18 I intone a prayer revealed for the Fast, a prayer that begins praise of God, a prayer the ask protection, and request forgiveness. I meditate, I realize the prayer encourages obedience and trust in God-- the only protection in times of trouble. Gratitude List for 8 ʻAláʼ Today I am thankful ... ...for the breakfast cake I had for my morning snack. ...that my Bank of America checking account isn't overdrawn today. ...for fresh brewed coffee, with coffee grounds in the carafe. ...that I have 170 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the sausage and egg burrito I had for breakfast. Footnotes |
Jalál (Glory), 6 ʻAláʼ (Loftiness) 176 B.E. Saturday, March 7, 2020 On the Sixth Day of Fast19 In prayer I speak to the All-Glorious Creator! In meditation I listen for the Creator speaking in the language of my soul. Divine love and forgiveness emanate from the prayers revealed for the nineteen-day fast. Gratitude List for 6 ʻAláʼ Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for fresh brewed coffee on this pleasant prespring morning. ...that I have 155 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the potato chips I have for my afternoon snack. Footnotes |
Istiqlál (Independence), 5 ʻAláʼ (Loftiness) 176 B.E. Friday, March 6, 2020 On the Fifth Day of Fast20 Sunrise to sunset Prayers and meditation For those who fast Gratitude List for 5 ʻAláʼ Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account isn't overdrawn today. ...for fresh brewed coffee on the pleasant winter morning. ...that I was able to get my hair colored today . ...that I have 16,300 points in my YouGov account. ...that I have 144 points in my Survey Junkie account. Footnotes |
Istijlál (Majesty), 4 ʻAláʼ (Loftiness) 176 B.E. Thursday, March 5, 2020 On the Fourth Day of Fast21 At 73, I Fast spiritually. Day by day I let go of old habits and thoughts that hold back the progress of my soul. Prayer by prayer I place each tests in the hands of God's Glory. Gratitude List for 4 ʻAláʼ Today I am thankful ... ...for the chocolate Whoppers I had for my evening snack last night. ...that I had 1,008 points in my Survey Junkie account. I was able to redeem it for $10.08 to my PayPal account, and transfer it to my checking account. ...for fresh brewed coffee on this chilly winter morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn. ...for the Starbucks lemon crunch parfait I had with my breakfast. ...that I received a check in the mail yesterday. ...for the $100.00 deduction on this month's rent. ...that I have 19 points in my Survey Junkie account. Footnotes |
ʻIdál (Justice), 3 ʻAláʼ (Loftiness) 176 B.E. Wednesday, March 4, 2020 On the Third Day of Fast22 Paragraph by paragraph I consumes the word of God feeding my soul on sacred scriptures. Gratitude List for 3 ʻAláʼ Today I am thankful ... ...for the chocolate Whoopers I had before I went to bed last night. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for fresh brewed coffee on this winter morning. ...that I have 925 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the cinnamon roll I had to go with my coffee. ...that I was able to finish Reflections on the Coronavirus and the Oneness of Humanity by Homa Sabet Tavangar. ...for the merit badge I received today. Footnotes |
Fiḍál (Grace), 2 ʻAláʼ (Loftiness) 176 B.E. Tuesday, March 3, 2020 On the Second Day of Fast23 I read a prayer revealed for the nineteen-day Fast, and contemplate letting go. In its essence fasting is letting go of the desires of the flesh-- such as food and drink-- and holding onto spiritual qualities-- such as faith in God and forgiveness. At 73 I am learning to let go of the prejudices and fears that come between me and the Glorious Lord. Gratitude List for 2 ʻAláʼ Today I am thankful ... ...for the chocolate covered whooper I had last night before going to bed. ...that I have 917 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for fresh brewed coffee on this chilly winter morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the yogurt I had to go with my breakfast. Footnotes |
Kamál (Perfection), 1 ʻAláʼ (Loftiness) 176 B.E. Monday, March 2, 2020 On the First Day of Fast24 Age and medication prevent fasting from food and drink, not meditation and prayer. Gratitude List for 1 ʻAláʼ Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for fresh brewed coffee on this beautiful spring morning. ...that I have 634 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the merit badge I received today. Footnotes |
Jamál (Beauty), 5 Ayyám-i-Há (The Days of Há) 176 B.E. Sunday, March 1, 2020 Facebook Status Update On the fifth day of Ayyam-i-Ha, the wind sing through palm and pine carrying the joyous new of the approach of the Fast and Naw-Ruz. Gratitude List for 5 Ayyám-i-Há Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account isn't overdraw today. ...for the fresh brewed coffee I had this morning. ...that I was able to attend Devotional Services at the Baha'i Center today. |