This blog contains responses to blog prompts, & thoughts on spiritual or religious themes |
Disclaimer: Any views, about religion or sacred scriptures, expressed in this blog are my own and not the official views of the Baha'i Faith or any other religion. If you wish to know more about the Baha'i Faith, please check one of these websites: The Baha'i Faith: The Official Website of the Worldwide Baha'i Community or Baha'is of the United States . "The gift of God to this enlightened age is the knowledge of the oneness of mankind and of the fundamental oneness of religion. War shall cease between nations, and by the will of God the Most Great Peace shall come; the world will be seen as a new world, and all men will live as brothers." Abdu'l-Baha1 Other Blogs and Journals Content Rating 18+ "Writing in Snow" "The Snowflake Chronicles" "Snow Melt" "More Snow Melt" "Welcome to My Life" "Melting Snow" "Memories of Snow" "Dreams of Snow " "Poem Experiments" "Devotional Poetry" Other Journals Content Rating ASR "Bicentenary Poems and Prose" "Treasures lie hidden beneath the throne of God; the key to those treasures if the tongue of poets." The Bab "O my God! O my God! Unite the hearts of Thy servants, and reveal to them Thy great purpose. May they follow Thy commandments and abide in Thy law. Help them, O God, in their endeavor, and grant them strength to serve Thee. O God! Leave them not to themselves, but guide their steps by the light of Thy knowledge, and cheer their hearts by Thy love. Verily, Thou art their Helper and their Lord." Bahá’u’lláh2 Footnotes |
Fiḍál (Grace), 8 Raḥmat (Mercy) 177 B.E. Tuesday, June 30, 2020 Day 30 entry for "The Bard's Hall Contest" . The "Blogging Circle of Friends " prompt for Day 2783: "People are like stained - glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within." ~ Elisabeth Kubler-Ross ~ Let this quote inspire your blog entry. This quote explains why stained glass windows inspire me. I've written several short poems about the stained glass windows I've seen in Las Vegas. The following poems were written sometime 149 B.E. (After March 21, 1993 before March 21, 1994) Stained Glass Curtains was inspired by meditating on God's ancient covenant, which each Manifestation renews. On the Day of Resurrection was inspired by walking past a Christian church during the day and seeing the darkness of the stained glass images. The others are descriptions of windows seen from the inside. I visited these Houses of Worship when I was attending Interfaith discussions. I think I may have had longer poem in mind, or intended using them in some other way. On the Day of Resurrection By day the dark collage of colored glass Looks hopeless on a world illuminated by the sun Those going past see only darkness in the panes That shown so bright and colorful by night. Stained Glass Dawn: A Restaurant Window Stained glass forest glows with the morning light. Brown limbs with green and yellow leaves stand out against a sky of red and brown. Stained Glass Window In a Latter Day Saint Chapel Stained glass flower with twenty yellow leaf-shaped petals: the bottom of each petal is blue, there are red buds between each petal, and the sections of the red-yellow-blue flowers are separated by black lines. Stained Glass Window In a Protestant church The stained glass cross glows bright in the sunset, and divides the sunlight into rainbow colors; the cross' central orb shines yellow and white, the four arms of colored glass glow yellow, orange, and purple. Stained Glass Window In a Jewish Temple The twenty-seven sections--panes--on each side of the center form a fan-like half circle; the center portion, of the window, is wood and resembles a book; at the top center of the book two hands hold; there are symbols--characters--on the book and at the bottom of the "fan" are more symbols or letter: House of prayer, House of study, House of assembly, Eternal light. Stained Glass Curtains Stained glass curtains Separate into granite chambers The Books of God Stained glass curtains Isolate in the own chapels Faith's Children Stain glass curtains Shatter as the echoes of an unseen power Reverberates through stone corridors Stained glass curtains Shatter uniting in a single covenant The Books of God Stained Glass Window In a Catholic Church The window is round, with a women wearing a crown, the women is Mary, the Blessed Mother, behind and above her from left to right is Jesus, the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove, and God the Father. |
Kamál (Perfection), 7 Raḥmat (Mercy) 177 B.E. Monday, June 29, 2020 Day 29 entry for "The Bard's Hall Contest" . The "Blog City ~ Every Blogger's Paradise" prompt for DAY 2172: For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven-- Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 Since it is so, spiritually speaking, why do you think our planet now has this Covid 19 pandemic? The pandemic is occurring to demonstrate that Earth is like a single nation, what occurs in one of its nation-states will move into another nation-state. Another reason for the pandemic is to show the oneness of humanity. The human race is a single multicolored species, in order for human kind to survive any crisis--no matter if the crisis is man-made or natural--we have to cooperate with each other. We have to help each other, it does not matter if the other person we are helping is of a different color, a different gender, a different cultural origin, a different religion, a different national origin, or a different sexual orientation. Humanity will not survive unless it starts to work together as a single species. "The utterance of God is a lamp, whose light is these words: Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch. Deal ye one with another with the utmost love and harmony, with friendliness and fellowship. He Who is the Daystar of Truth beareth Me witness! So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth. The one true God, He Who knoweth all things, Himself testifieth to the truth of these words." Humanity will survive this crisis, and any other crisis that is below our sight's horizon. It will not be easy because many people do not want to give up their learned prejudices and feelings of superiority. However, eventually most people will see the beauty in the flower garden of humanity. The road ahead is not smooth, indeed it is under construction without any detours around it. Humanity will survive this and every other crisis we encounter. In the end the human race will be united in its diversity. Footnotes |
Jamál (Beauty), 6 Raḥmat (Mercy) 177 B.E. Sunday, June 28, 2020 Day 28 entry for "The Bard's Hall Contest" . Facebook Status Update for June 27, 2020 Even though God-- the Creator-- is everywhere, we are still expected to wear masks when we leave our houses or apartments. Show respect for the Creator and humanity by wearing a mask when you go out. Facebook Status Update June 28, 2020 We worship and unknown God, Made known by the Mirrors of His Attributes: Made known by Abraham, The Father of the Faithful, by Krishna, The Educator, by Moses, The Law Giver;, by Zoroaster, The Pure, by Christ, The Son, by Muhammad, The Seal of the Prophets, by The Bab, The Gate, and by Baha'u'llah, The Glory of God. Neva Darbe © June 28, 2020 |
Jalál (Glory), 5 Raḥmat (Mercy) 177 B.E. Saturday, June 27, 2020 Day 27 entry for "The Bard's Hall Contest" . On the wings of prayer On the wings of faith I fly proclaiming Baha'u'llah to humanity. |
Istiqlál (Independence), 4 Raḥmat (Mercy) 177 B.E. Friday, June 26, 2020 Day 26 entry for "The Bard's Hall Contest" . On the last Friday in June 2020, Word for word I recite: "Is there any Remover of difficulties save God? Say: Praised be God! He is God! All are His servants, and all abide by His bidding!" The Báb5 The darkness-- like clouds in front of the sun-- passes into oblivion. Footnotes |
Istijlál (Majesty), 3 Raḥmat (Mercy) 177 B.E. Thursday, June 25, 2020 Day 25 entry for "The Bard's Hall Contest" . I'm thankful for 2020! I know it sounds odd to be thankful for a year that "the four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are riding away from at breakneck speeds"6. Twenty-twenty is a watershed year! The year that is moving humanity and nations into a new reality. This is the year that international non-cooperation is showing the danger of unbridled nationalism. This is the year that the oneness of the human species is becoming more acceptable to the human consciousness. This is the year that prejudices--whether they are religious, national, or racial--are being shown for the demons they are. This is the year conscious individuals begin to look into their own thoughts and beliefs, in order to purge themselves of the superstitions of the past. "O my God! O my God! Unite the hearts of Thy servants, and reveal to them Thy great purpose. May they follow Thy commandments and abide in Thy law. Help them, O God, in their endeavor, and grant them strength to serve Thee. O God! Leave them not to themselves, but guide their steps by the light of Thy knowledge, and cheer their hearts by Thy love. Verily, Thou art their Helper and their Lord." Bahá’u’lláh7 I'm thankful for the prayers revealed by Baha'u'llah, the Bab, and 'Abdu'l-Baha, because they give me strength and hope during this time of national and international uncertainty. I'm thankful that Humana, my healthcare company, sent me two cloth masks and instructions on how to wash them. Footnotes |
ʻIdál (Justice), 2 Raḥmat (Mercy) 177 B.E. Wednesday, June 24, 2020 This is the year of change, Moving forward into the reality of humanity as one race! Day 24 entry for "The Bard's Hall Contest" . |
Fiḍál (Grace), 1 Raḥmat (Mercy) 177 B.E. Tuesday, June 23, 2020 Feast Day of Raḥmat Day 23 entry for "The Bard's Hall Contest" . The "Blogging Circle of Friends " prompt for Day 2776: Use these words in your blog entry: Rose, Honeysuckle, pink, wisdom, peace. Feast of Mercy Roses and honeysuckles "O God! Dispel all those elements which are the cause of discord, and prepare for us all those things which are the cause of unity and accord! O God! Descend upon us Heavenly Fragrance and change this gathering into a gathering of Heaven! Grant to us every benefit and every food. Prepare for us the Food of Love! Give us the Food of Knowledge! Bestow on us the Food of Heavenly Illumination!" ‘Abdu’l-Bahá8 Word by word we consume the bread of wisdom, the fruit of peace, and sip the elixir of life from the scriptures revealed by The Bab, Baha'u'llah, and 'Abdu'l-Baha. Footnotes |
Kamál (Perfection), 19 Núr (Light) 177 B.E. Monday, June 22, 2020 Sometimes I wonder what's so motivational about Monday, or any other day of the week. Motivation has to come from withing or from something inspiring and on this Monday I feel like crying. Sooner or later, this depressed feeling will pass I hope its sooner. I'm going to post this and try to do something to beat this depression. Day 22 entry for "The Bard's Hall Contest" . |
Jamál (Beauty), 18 Núr (Light) 177 B.E. Sunday, June 21, 2020 Father's Day Day 21 entry for "The Bard's Hall Contest" . "O Lord! In this Most Great Dispensation Thou dost accept the intercession of children in behalf of their parents. This is one of the special infinite bestowals of this Dispensation. Therefore, O Thou kind Lord, accept the request of this Thy servant at the threshold of Thy singleness and submerge his father in the ocean of Thy grace, because this son hath arisen to render Thee service and is exerting effort at all times in the pathway of Thy love. Verily, Thou art the Giver, the Forgiver and the Kind!" ‘Abdu’l-Bahá9 Father's Day 2020, and-- what few-- memories I have of my Father flow through my mind. Daddy was a tall man, carried me on his shoulder, sometimes wore a hat, and worked a blue collar job. Daddy liked apple jelly on his hot cakes, and drink his coffee with cream. Father's Day 2020 is a day of letting the tears go, and holding onto the memories. Footnotes |
Jalál (Glory), 17 Núr (Light) 177 B.E. Saturday, June 20, 2020 The "Blogging Circle of Friends " prompt for DAY 2773: June 20, 2020, is "What is your favorite summer treat?" On the longest day of the year, when triple digit temperatures we fear, a cool treat is what we all cheer. On midsummer day some people scream for ice cream, while other people yell for snow cones; I will scream for chocolate ice cream or yell for a grape snow cone. Summer solstice is the best time to consume an ice cream cone, a snow cones, or a tall cold cup of cafe mocha. Day 20 entry for "The Bard's Hall Contest" . |
Istiqlál (Independence), 16 Núr (Light) 177 B.E. Friday, June 19, 2020 Day 19 entry for "The Bard's Hall Contest" . On June 19, 1865, federal troops enter Galveston, Texas, to make sure that all the slaves in America were freed. This was two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation10 was signed. It was on Juneteenth (June 19, 1865) that U.S. General Gordon Granger read General Order No. 3: “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.”11 This day should be a national holiday, that is celebrated with parades, fireworks, picnics, and education about the effects of slaver, which America is still dealing with today. Footnotes |
Istijlál (Majesty), 15 Núr (Light) 177 B.E. Thursday, June 18, 2020 There are a couple of pieces of good news on this Thankful Thursday, June 18, 2020. The first piece of good newx concerns two Baha'i Temples in Africa: In Africa: As one temple rises, anticipation builds for another . Second, Supreme Court blocks Trump’s bid to end DACA, a win for undocumented ‘Dreamers’ by Robert Barnes. Good news is always welcome because it reveals that the world is making progress, moving toward a new normal of unity, justice, and world peace. Get rid of negativity by finding good news that creates positive thoughts and feelings. Day 18 entry for "The Bard's Hall Contest" . |
ʻIdál (Justice), 14 Núr (Light) 177 B.E. Wednesday, June 17, 2020 Day 17 entry for "The Bard's Hall Contest" . Four days to Father's Day and counting down. Every where you look on the internet or in the stores (if you go out of the house to go shopping) you find ads for the perfect Father's Day gift. When I was growing up the perfect Father's Day gift was a tie or a fishing rod, depending on what Dad did for a living or liked to do on the weekends. I don't remember any of my school friends asking me what are you getting your grandfather for Father's Day. Most of my friends knew that my parents were divorced, that my mother was the breadwinner in the family, and that the only Father figure I had was Grandpa Frank. I wasn't the only child in my school who's parents were divorced. I had one friend without a Father in the house and whose mother worked as a waitress. Most of my other friends lived in two parent households with fathers going off to work five days a week, and mothers who remain home as housewives. I don't know if they were any happier than we were. I do know they had fewer financial problems, or at least they appeared to hove fewer. The older I get the more I suspect they had just as many financial problems, and their parents probably argued over money and other stuff. At least there were no arguments between adults in my one parent household. I did have a stepfather, but that is an entirely different story, which I'm not going to go into here. |
Fiḍál (Grace), 13 Núr (Light) 177 B.E. Tuesday, June 16, 2020 The "Invalid Item" discussion topic for the week of June 14, 2020 is "Let's start with something easy! How are you coping with 2020? Are you watching a lot of news? Distracting yourself with other things? Hiding under the blankets? How are you feeling about everything? Aside from everything going on in the world, how are YOU doing? What's going on in your personal bubble? How many years long has 2020 felt so far? " How am I coping with 2020? Not easily. The first part of the year was alright. I had only a couple of issues with the lock-down: (1) The inability to get a hair cur, and (2) I couldn't pick up senior commodities for a while. Now that most places are starting to open up, I'm beginning to have difficulties that I didn't before. I think or hope that will clear up soon. Sometimes it feels like I'm in a well, about 30 ft. from the center of hell. I was able to pickup senior commodities and get my haircut in May. Social distancing is still in effect, but that is slowly being lifted. I catch the news, I want to catch, online. I listen to music online. I read articles online, I talk to my sister on the phone at least once a month. This month she dropped by my house to get me to print something off the DMV website. It was nice seeing her. I've had difficulty focusing for a couple of three weeks, that's slowing going away. I'm back to doing survey. I purchased a new recliner with the stimulus funds. I think my life is slowly working towards a new normal. Day 16 entry for "The Bard's Hall Contest" . |
Kamál (Perfection), 12 Núr (Light) 177 B.E. Monday, June 15, 2020 Day 15 entry for "The Bard's Hall Contest" . It's Motivational Monday, June 15, the day a new blog group begins. The name of the group is "Space Blog Group" , the forum is located at "Space Blog" , and the first prompt is "Name ten things you would put on your bucket." It should be easy to write a bucket list because I wrote (or think I wrote) one before. I can't find the bucket list I wrote. The only thing I can find is a poem I wrote in 2013, "Bucket Lists: Two Related Poems" , a few months after my mother died in 2012. The name of the new blog is "Snow's Space Blog" , and the first entry is "Ten Things on My Bucket List" . My Computer Desk I look at my computer desk, I contemplate the task of cleaning it off-- knowing this is something I can no longer put off. Where do I begin? Do I begin on the right or the left side? Do I begin with the top of the printer or in front of the printer? |
Jamál (Beauty), 11 Núr (Light) 177 B.E. Sunday, June 14, 2020 Race Amity Day It's time for America America's strength is in its diversity and not its conformity. I, as a white woman, have to weed the garden of my soul. I have to remove the thorns and thistles that White Privilege12 has planted there since the day of my birth. I look at the history of my country and realize that, since the inception of America, the only lives that mattered were white male lives; that black, brown, yellow, red, and female lives didn't matter. Day 14 entry for "The Bard's Hall Contest" . Footnotes |
Jalál (Glory), 10 Núr (Light) 177 B.E. Saturday, June 13, 2020 Day 13 entry for "The Bard's Hall Contest" . The Day 2766 prompt for "Blogging Circle of Friends " is Write about your relationship with food. My relationship with food is a love, love relationship. I love food and food loves me. I will try almost any type of ethnic food once, and if I don't like it the first time, I will presume it's an acquired taste and attempt to acquire a taste for it. Sometimes I dream of death by chocolate cake with a scoop of chocolate ice cream. Chocolate isn't my only favorite food. I enjoy any food item I eat. Today, June 13, I'm enjoying reviewing food items on writing.com. Below are a couple of items I've reviewed so far.
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Istiqlál (Independence), 9 Núr (Light) 177 B.E. Friday, June 12, 2020 Sometimes I have difficulty deciding on my favorite quote, because there are so many quotes from the Sacred Writings of The Bab, Baha'u'llah, and 'Abdu'l-Baha that I like. Today I didn't have any problems deciding on my favorite quotes for this month. When I logged into Facebook, the first quote was posted with a picture, containing the Spanish translation, and the English translation above the picture. After reading and meditating on the first quote, I thought of another quote. The second quote I had to look up on Baha'i Reference Library . Both quotes can be found in Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah. “Know thou of a truth that the worlds of God are countless in their number, and infinite in their range. None can reckon or comprehend them except God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.” Bahá'u'lláh13 "Know thou that every fixed star hath its own planets, and every planet its own creatures, whose number no man can compute." Bahá’u’lláh1415 Day 12 entry for "The Bard's Hall Contest" . Footnotes |
Istijlál (Majesty), 8 Núr (Light) 177 B.E. Thursday, June 11, 2020 Day 11 entry for "The Bard's Hall Contest" . It's Thankful Thursday! It's time to make a gratitude list of everything I have to be thankful for. What am I thankful for today, June 11, 2020? One thing I'm thankful for is that I'm almost through another episode of "the dark night of my soul", and can see a distant light breaking on the horizon. An episode of "the dark night of my soul" can be brought on by almost anything. I'm not sure what brought on this episode. I'm past the wanting to cry mood, and I've started to see the light filtering through the dark clouds of despair. I am thankful that my sister came to visit me yesterday, June 10. We had a nice talk and I printed off something for her from the DMV. Sometimes I wish we were closer, but I'm not sure that is going to happen. I'm not going to move to Searchlight and I doubt she'll move to Las Vegas, so the only thing I can do is pray for her. Footnotes |