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 |   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 ![Merit Badge in WDC Soundtrackers
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Fiḍál (Grace), 6 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Tuesday, February 12, 2019
DAY 2277: "Though my soul may set in darkness, it will rise in perfect light; I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night." Sara Williams, The Old Astronomer to His Pupil Let this quote inspire you blog entry. Night and the Stars The only things in the darkness to fear are the creatures of our own imagination. Darkness is metaphor for the unknown and the undiscovered in both the universe and ourselves. There are two ways to overcome this fear to to face it head on or fall in love with the stars. The stars are metaphors for faith, love, and numerous other spiritual attributes. Once someone falls in love with the stars, that person can no longer be afraid of the light years of darkness laying between them. Once a person falls in love with the stars night becomes a friend revealing the love of the stars for the individual.
DAY 1883: Since we’re so near Valentine’s Day, what does “to have a big heart” mean to you? The obvious meaning or something more perhaps? A Big Heart The heart is a metaphor for the soul. So having a big heart refers to spiritual attributes such as love, generosity, faith, gratitude, etc. Having a big heart means person is generous, and willing to help and willing to help other people. |
Fiḍál (Grace), 6 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Tuesday, February 12, 2019
A bed and pillow Away from home restful sleep Leave a wake-up call I like food of the world My problems is deciding which Delicious aroma I want I would like to visit New Zealand at the last we of October 2019 when the Baha'is in New Zealand, and across the planet, well celebrate the Bicentennial Celebration of the Birth of the Báb . The Bab, who was the forerunner of Baha'u'llah, was an independent Prophet or Manifestation. The Bab and Baha'u'llah are referred to as the "Twin Manifestations from God"3, and their birthday are referred to as the Twin Holy Days.Footnotes |
Kamál (Perfection), 5 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Monday, February 11, 2019
DAY 2276: Life is a hard battle anyway. If we laugh and sing a little as we fight the good fight of freedom, it makes it all go easier. I will not allow my life's light to be determined by the darkness around me. ~ Sojourner Truth Let this quote by Sojourner Truth inspire you blog entry. This darkness shall pass The sun of God's new day shines Brighter with each passing hour We cannot let the darkness surrounding us determine the brightness of our lights. We have to shine our lights on both the good and the bad that is occurring in the world today. People are dying across the planet because the mindset that caused slavery and the other atrocities of the eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth centuries were carried into the twenty-first century. That mindset was the mindset of humanity's childhood and teenage years, now--since the middle 1800s--we (humanity) have begun to move into the adulthood of the species. We have to overcome the xenophobia that marked the ages of our immaturity.
DAY 1882: After visiting the museum at Auschwitz, journalist Sigrid Rausing writes: “Afterward, I wanted to burn my clothes. Shower and wash my hair and brush my teeth and throw away my shoes. I wanted to get rid of every trace of Auschwitz, as though I had never been there.” https://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2019/02/05/the-museum-at-auschwitz/ Can you relate to Sigrid Rausing’s feelings in relation to this or any other place you have visited? What do you think made her feel this way? We cannot forget the atrocities of the past or the present without destroying our future. The holocaust cannot be forgotten! We have to remember by putting it in history books and in museums, because to forget is to repeat it on the same scale. We are repeating it in today, on a smaller scale in different countries, but it is still happening. People are being killed, imprisoned, and walled out because of color, religion, national origin, and numerous other labels that are intended to segregate the species of humanity into them and us. |
Kamál (Perfection), 5 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Monday, February 11, 2019
Elegant tranquility Inhale the oceans perfume Spiritual feeling Emerald forest Redolent with life's aroma Verdant paradise |
Jamál (Beauty), 4 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Sunday, February 10, 2019
In verdant gardens Inhale the perfume of life Recreating paradise Educational Zoos encourage green thinking And ecology Do the tourist thing Sightseeing in Port of Spain Create memories |
Jalál (Glory), 3 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Saturday, February 9, 2019
the scent of water watching wildlife from a boat pontoon boats are fun It's a good thing I'm not getting into the water because I'm wearing a SPF 100+ sunscreen, which dermatologist say is better at protecting you from sunburn. I suspect the dermatologist are right, but that isn't why I purchase a SPF 100+ sunscreen. I purchased it because I always purchase the highest SPF that I can afford or not. The problem with sunscreens are their affect on the environment. The other reason I'm glad I'm not getting into the water is my ability, or perhaps I should say inability, to tread water. In addition to swimming, I'm skipping the rum tasting; however, I will not skip the food. beautiful herons crocodiles and egrets the aroma of life I'm glad the rooms have a kitchenette and microwave. Not that I would use either because when traveling I prefer to eat someone else's cooking. While I can cook anything in a microwave, normally I use it to poach an egg or warm up breakfast or lunch sandwiches. Sometimes I warm up my coffee in one, but normally I drink my coffee before it gets to the "warm up in the microwave temperature". I hope 🌸 pwheeler - love joy peace  and Rosemary  are enjoying this virtual vacation as much as I am. |
Istiqlál (Independence), 2 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Friday, February 8, 2019
Jamaica I am not a beach baby. I am not a water spirit. I enjoy the sun and the surf; however, I sunburn easily. When I go to the beach, or anywhere there is water and sun, I I have to have some type of sun protection. The Royal White Sands looks comfortable, intriguing, and could get my creative juices flowing. I suspect the beds are comfortable enough for me to actually sleep in one. I have not slept in a real bed in so long, that I lost count of the number of years. There are two non-food attractions that intrigue me (1) Bob Marley’s Birth Place and (2) Rose Hall Great House . The haunted night tour, at the Rose Hill Great House, sounds especially attractive to me. Only one food attraction, The Pelican Grill , intrigues me. In Jamaica I want to eat authentic Jamaican dishes.Jamaica has an active Baha'i Community. In December of 2017 this news article The Bahai's in Jamaica , which shows a photo the Baha'i National Centre, appeared in The Gleaner. This would, also, be a place I would like to visit. It is obvious that Jamaica is another destination that requires a month or so to truly enjoy.
DAY 2273: “Life has many ways of testing a person’s will, either by having nothing happen at all or by having everything happen all at once.”~ —Paulo Coelho What are your thoughts? Does it happen to you? Life's Tests First, it is highly improbable that everything is going to happen simultaneously. I am not saying it is impossible, because God does have a sense of humor, but it is improbable. As for nothing happening that is improbable, as well. Something is always happening. All people have to do is open their eyes and their mind to see what is going on around them or in their lives. Everyday an individual encounters some type of test. In most cases, the person passes without difficulty. Sometimes the person fails the test, in which case that person will encounter the same test--under different circumstances--until the test is passed. There are times when the only way to pass a test is to take a deep breath, place the situation in God's hands, and get on with the mundane tasks of daily living.
DAY 1879: What do you think about podcasts? They seem to have a huge variety available and more coming everyday about every topic under the sun. Are they going to replace lectures in classrooms? Podcasts I think podcasts are a good idea, and they are especially useful to people who take online distant learning courses, people who do not get out much, and those who had difficulty learning in a regular brick and mortar classroom. I watch podcasts myself and I enjoy those I watch. I am also extremely careful about the podcasts I chose to watch. Most of the podcasts I watch are posted on BahaiTeachings.org , the Baha'i Blog , and YouTube.Will podcasts replace lectures in classrooms? It depends on whether online distant learning courses replace brick and mortar class rooms. Podcasts are good for distant learning courses, and to review anything learned in a brick and mortar classroom. Some students learn better in a brick and mortar classroom, while others do better with distant learning courses because they can access an instructor's podcasts at anytime of day or night. ' |
Istijlál (Majesty), 1 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Thursday, February 7, 2019 Feast of Mulk
There are three, non-food related attractions, that appeal to me. First, the Boston Public Garden , because of its tranquil and spiritual appearance. Trees in a public park or garden always give the place a spiritual feeling. Trees encourage a person to set down, meditate, pray, observe the animals and plants, or watch the people strolling around.Second, the Boston Whale Watching Cruise , because the only time I have ever seen a living whale was in San Diego where I saw Killer Whale at one of the zoological parks. Seeing a humpbacked whale or harbor porpoise in their natural habitat has to be an awe inspiring experience.Third, the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum , because this event in American history has always fascinated me. It is obvious that Boston is a city one should spend, at least, a month in to see the numerous attractions.As for the food related attractions, I'm up for any type of food. The pizza tour sounds intriguing; however, since we're in Boston, I'd like to try some Boston Baked Beans. It isn't that I can't make Boston Baked Beans at home, in this case I want to try the food in the city of its nativity. If I were going to visit Boston on my own in 2019, I would like to return in late October when the Bicentenary of the Birth of the Bab will be celebrated. In 2017, I celebrated the Bicentenary of the Birth of Baha'u'llah with the Baha'is of Las Vegas. A Bicentenary celebration in any Baha'i community has to be awe inspiring and spiritual. |
‘Idál (Justice), 19 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 175 B.E. - Wednesday, February 6, 2019
DAY 2271: “People tend to complicate their own lives, as if living weren't already complicated enough.” Carlos Ruiz Zafón, author of The Shadow of the Wind What are your thoughts about his quote? Do you make your own life more complicated than it needs to be. Do you know other people that do? Complicating Life We complicate our lives in numerous ways. We complicate our lives because we overthink, obsess, and worry about things that 99.9% of the time we didn't need to worry about. We complicate our lives by looking at past ages and thinking that the people at that time had it better. We complicate our lives by, attempting, to look at future ages and believing the people will have it better. We complicate our lives by lack of gratitude for what we have. We complicate our lives by ignoring the Golden Rule of our chosen religion, and treating our fellow human beings with disdain. At 72, I have come to realize that I was born in the twentieth century and continued to live into the twenty-first century for a reason. I have something to accomplish before my spirit ascends into the Abha Paradise. I will continue to attempt to achieve that goal, even if sometimes I'm not exactly sure what it is, for as long as I'm bless with a physical life. In the time I have left on the physical plane, I will attempt to avoid complicating my life any more than I have managed to complicate it already.
Day 1877: "On the TV Show "Heartland", the family members each have a brick in the fireplace that is theirs. Each new family member gets to pick out their own brick. Do you have any traditions like this in your family? Family Traditions I'm not big on family tradition. I don't follow many of the traditions I was taught as a child. The only family tradition I practice consistently is prayer. This tradition has changed since I declared my faith in Baha'u'llah. Now, instead of saying prayers that I compose myself, I say the prayers revealed by Baha'u'llah, The Bab, and 'Abdu'l-Baha. I don't see anything wrong with family traditions, as long as they don't interfere with a person performing their job or their interactions with the rest of humanity. We are living in a changing world. A world with blended families, and each family has their own tradition. When families blend they need to figure out traditions that enhance the family and bring them closer together. In addition, each culture has their own traditions. When an individuals interact with one another, they need to take into account the cultural tradition of the other people involved in the interactions. We need to learn to respect the cultural traditions of other people. |
‘Idál (Justice), 19 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 175 B.E. - Wednesday, February 6, 2019
Cortland Rural Cemetery I don't visit cemeteries on a regular basis. Most modern cemeteries have flat headstones that are even or lower than the surrounding grass. I understand why this is done; it is to make upkeep easier and cheaper. However, I like to see headstones and memorial statues rising above the cemetery's landscape. I suspect my preferences have more to do with my concept of death and the afterlife. Cemeteries with raised headstones and statues suggest that the soul of the deceased has ascended into the spiritual world. Pontillo's Pizzeria I'm always willing to eat pizza. I haven't discovered a pizza that I dislike. The menu at Pontillo's sound intriguing with Italian cuisine and pizza, while being vegetarian friendly. I don't normally eat vegetarian pizza; however, I'm not opposed to trying it. Especially if it has something on it I like such as Portobello mushrooms or some vegetable I've never tasted before. I am an omnivore who prefers meat on her pizzas. I'm sure that Rosemary and whoever else is with us could find some kind of pizza we like. |
Fiḍál (Grace), 18 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 175 B.E. - Tuesday, February 5, 2019
Amtrak is a wonderful way to travel; however, I prefer to fly into New York City at night. I like to see the city's bridges lit up. I like to see the sparkling lights of modern civilization at night from the air. The last time I was in New York was in the late 1990s, when the twin towers were still standing. I like flying in at night because the city and its lights are beautiful from the air above. The best way to see the beauty of any modern city is from a passenger plane at night. Always make sure to have a window seat when flying into any large city at night because the best part of a visit is to see it lit up from the air. The second best way to see a city from the air is from helicopter. I know this because I have seen Las Vegas both from a night arrival by passenger plane, and in a helicopter during the day. They both give a good overview of a large metropolitan city. Each city has its own personality, sort of like each human being, To understand a city's personality you have to see it both from above and the streets below. You have to see it both at night and during the day because all modern cities have different personalities depending on the time of day or night. To experience the true personality of a city you have to spend several days people watching, touring, and eating in different restaurants (this is the most important thing about visiting any modern city). New York City in Baha'i History On April 11, 1912, 'Abdu'l-Baha arrived in New York. Of the 239 day 'Abdu'l-Baha spent in America, 85 of those days (nonconsecutive) were in New York. On December 15, 1912, he departed (from New York) to return to Europe and back to Israel).
*** Since I do not have a week to ten days to spend in New York, the Eagles in Concert sounds like a nice diversion. I prefer enjoying ethnic restaurants as opposed to hotel coffee shops, unless the coffee shops have some type of menu item I would not get at home. As I have written before, when I eat at a restaurant I prefer to eat a dish I would not get at home. The pub Robert Waltz  mentioned sounds like an intriguing place to go. Since it is a pub that servers food, I have no problems going there. I know, from experience, that pubs serving food usually brews good coffee. New York is a city a person should spend several days exploring. |
Kamál (Perfection), 17 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 175 B.E. - Monday, February 4, 2019
DAY 2269: The Flowers of February are the violet and the primrose. Let these two beautiful flowers inspire your blog entry today. The Flowers of February The flowers of February, primroses and violets, perfume the air with youth, love, abundance, and innocence. Let the snows of winter pass, let the groundhog see his shadow or not, because spring approaches, bring the scent of life and love. Decorate my life with the Flowers of February, and bring a smile to my face. |
Kamál (Perfection), 17 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 175 B.E. - Monday, February 4, 2019
There are a couple of places in Philadelphia that I find more attractive to visit. The first is the Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church . This is the mother church of the African Methodist Episcopalians. This church was constructed on land that was own exclusively by African-Americans. The most beautiful part of this church are the stained glass windows. They invite you to set and meditation on them all day.The second place I find attractive is Independence Hall , where the Liberty Bell is located. As I look at the crack, I can't help but wonder if it was foretelling the political future of America. This building is the place where the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence was signed.I like the menu at the City Tavern . All the items sounded delicious, however, after a few minutes of contemplation I decided on the Smoked Salmon and Trout because I like both types of fish. In addition, those are dishes I would not get at home, and when I go to a restaurant I like to order something I would not get at home.I think the City Tavern would be fun with Rosemary , Robert Waltz , and Apondia  . I know the conversation and food would be a good combination. I don't drink beer or anything with alcohol in it, but that doesn't prevent me from having intriguing and creative conversations with those who do. |
Jamál (Beauty), 16 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 175 B.E. - Sunday, February 3, 2019
I am not attending the Superbowl. I am not a football fan. I am not a Los Angeles Rams fan. I am not a New England Patriots fan. The only time I enjoy football is when I have a three year old child setting in my lap, who will cheer whenever a touchdown is made by either team. Therefore, I am going to skip the Superbowl crowd, because I don't like crowds when I'm not having fun. When I'm having fun, I can half-way tolerate a crowd. My Atlanta plans are simple. I am going to attend the Sunday Devotional Services at the Baha'i Center on Edgewood Avenue SE. After that, I will hang out with the Baha'i for a bit, find out the location of a good restaurant, and wing it from there. If anyone wishes to go with me they are most welcome.I hope Robert Waltz , IceSkatingSugarCube  , Lilli 🧿 ☕  , and the others have fun at whatever non-Superbowl or Superbowl event they decided on. I know I'm going to enjoy myself, no matter what the weather is like in Atlanta. |
Jalál (Glory), 15 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 175 B.E. - Saturday, February 2, 2019
Groundhog Day in Tampa Bay Spending Groundhog Day in Tampa Bay, Florida, is much more appealing and exciting then spending it in Gobbler's Knob, Pennsylvania. I have absolutely no desire to watch a rodent with sciophobia, run screeching back into his burrow because he saw his shadow. As for Punxsutawney Phil's ability to predict spring, it doesn't come close to Mojave Max's ability. Mojave Max The only things that appeal to me in Tampa Bay concern music and food. I chose the St. Pete Beach Seafood and Music Festival because it has everything that I would enjoy sea food and various types of music. I am not a music purist! I like blues, rock, reggae, funk, soul, roots, country (of any type), classic, gospel, etc. I don't think I listen to enough music, which I will remedy in 2019. Who wants to go with me? I'd like to become better acquainted with anyone is by sharing sea food platter and listening to soul, reggae, or country rock. Who's up for the adventure? IceSkatingSugarCube , queenkissy, and Rosemary , what type of sea food and music do you like? As I said, the music venue doesn't matter and I'm sure all the sea food is good? |
Istiqlál (Independence), 14 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 175 B.E. - Friday, February 1, 2019
Winter Carnival -3 degrees C is not my cup of tea! I prefer setting in front of an indoor fire sipping a venti cup of hot chocolate, with real whipped cream, and discussing the weather-- in the South Pacific-- with Robert Waltz (Yes, I know Robert isn't from the South Pacific; however, that minor detail shouldn't keep us from discussing the weather in that area of the planet.) I am not a snow person, I am no longer winter's child, I am a senior citizen, of the spring or possibly the fall (if it isn't too cold); snow rafting sounds like a Winter Olympic sport that I would watch on television. |
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