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 |
Istiqlal (Independence), 8 Kamal (Perfection) 177 B.E. - Friday, August 7, 2020 It's a good thing we're virtual travelers because in real time no international travelers are allowed in Darwin because of COVID-19. I double checked the links before posting and they did open. Our hotel is Vibe Hotel on the Darwin Waterfront. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g255066-d1218857-Reviews-Vibe_Hotel_Dar... https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g255066-d11450386-Darwin_Hop... Have fun exploring and share with us what appealed and what didn't. Please mention something that amused you from one of your fellow bloggers entry in the past week. Don't overdo because the BCoF members are going to cover the night life... Restful night, Waterfront a beautiful] and restful sight. A few days ago 💙 Carly mention the exquisite views of Sydney--alright, Carly called them fabulous views. For me fabulous views means beauty and buildings that are pleasant to look at. |
Istijlal (Majesty), 7 Kamal (Perfection) 177 B.E. - Thursday, August 6, 2020 30 day: You have choices once we land in Katherine. Discuss what you discovered and enjoyed from the links.Include your fellow bloggers to help inspire interaction. https://nt.gov.au/leisure/parks-reserves/find-a-park/find-a-park-to-visit/nitmil... https://northernterritory.com/katherine-and-surrounds/destinations/nitmiluk-nati... https://www.katherineoutbackexperience.com.au/} Inhale the fragrance |
Idal (Justice), 6 Kamal (Perfection) 177 B.E. - Wednesday, August 5, 2020 30 day prompt. From your morning stop at the outback outpost of Manguri, you’ll venture into the weird and wonderful opal mining township of Coober Pedy, where more than half of the residents live underground. Here, you’ll enjoy a day of discovery, and a gourmet lunch in the most unique of locations: underground. Dinner is served back on the train where you can enjoy a nightcap as your journey continues. We'e going to get dirty today. But maybe we'll score an opal. https://journeybeyondrail.com.au/journeys/the-ghan-expedition/ https://www.gemsociety.org/article/opal-mining-coober-pedy/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pniXiSEoTwM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrCpNlPggtA Let your imagination take you wherever. Did my Great Aunt Opal ever wear an opal necklace, Outback Australia, desert beauty where one of the most beautiful gems in the world is mined. Outback Australia, where towns have creative names, and some of the citizens live underground. Outback Australia and opals heat and beauty, a good place to live, a good place to visit, and a beautiful gem to wear. |
Fidal (Grace), 5 Kamal (Perfection) 177 B.E. - Tuesday, August 4, 2020 We're hoping on The Ghan for one of the world's great train journeys. Travel through the heart of Australia in luxury while enjoying the all-inclusive food and beverages, well-appointed cabins and the Off Train Excursions that allow you to get a feel for the places the train travels through. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g255093-d12951577-Reviews-The_Ghan... 30 day prompt, check out these links and discuss. You must discuss a minimum of 3 of the links. https://www.pinkroadhouse.com.au/oodnadatta-track/ https://www.australia.com/en-us/places/northern-territory.html https://alicespringsdesertpark.com.au/ https://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/ we'll be dining in https://journeybeyondrail.com.au/guest-information/food-beverage/queen-adelaide-... Sacred Uluru3 Selenocosmia stirlingi-- The Barking Spider4-- a must see and hear for anyone recovering from Arachnophobia. Grilled Kangaroo fillet5 an adventure for my taste buds or mouth watering saltwater barramundi; traveling the world means eating new and exotic foods. Footnotes |
Kamal (Perfection), 4 Kamal (Perfection) 177 B.E. - Monday, August 3, 2020 I bet you were worried that you would never feel warm again. Take advantage and do your laundry and whatever because we're going to be roughing it on a train next. we're all staying at Hilton Sydney. https://www.google.com/travel/hotels/Sydney/entity/CgsImO_m76TC4eXkARAB?g2lb=250... 30 day prompt: There are a lot of great things to do and see in Sydney but you have one day so pick from the links what appeals to you and discuss what you discovered. Make us envious. Let your imagination get carried away. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g255060-Activities-Sydney_New_South_Wale... https://www.thecrazytourist.com/25-best-things-sydney-australia/} Mother Temple of the Pacific6, welcoming the followers of all religions into the warmth of God's love and emblazoning the name of Baha'u'llah to all humanity. Mother Temple of the Antipodes7, reflects the beauty and light of divine revelation to humanity. Walking through the Temple you feel the presence of the All Glorious Lord. Footnotes |
Jamal (Beauty), 3 Kamal (Perfection) 177 B.E. - Sunday, August 2, 2020
Zodiac Cruising - 30 day prompt Go where your cruise ship can’t — hop aboard a small, sturdy inflatable boat and buzz between the icebergs and around the mountains. This is your chance to get an up-close look at some of the more cautious wildlife in the ocean, on land, and in the skies. It’s common for leopard seals, penguins, and other curious animals to pop up alongside to say hello. You’ll never feel so small in your life as you gaze up at the massive glaciers and icebergs from sea level. To call it a humbling experience would be an understatement. Good to know: This activity is a big favorite of photographers. Zodiac cruising allows for more intimate viewing as well as an entirely different perspective. Antarctica is the site of some of the world’s most cutting-edge research. There are dozens of scientific research centers here, and one of the most interesting things to do in Antarctica is to take a tour of one of these fascinating facilities. The Vernadsky Research Base on Galindez Island opens its doors to visitors all while studying everything from meteorology, ecology, biology, glaciology, seismology and physics. It was at this research station that the hole in the ozone layer was first discovered. Another cool and unexpected aspect of this research center is the Vernadsky Station Lounge, one of the southernmost bars in the world. Try the vodka, which has been distilled on site. Bottoms up! We're going to help examine green snow and check out the satellite studies of the visual evidence of climate change. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-bar-at-vernadsky-research-base-antarctic... Good to know: The post office at the Vernadsky Station is one of the few places in all of Antarctica from where you can send a mail. Mailing a postcard will cost you around USD 2 while a letter (including stamps) is about USD 6*. we're still sleeping in our sleeping bags. Behold the beauty Behold the beauty of Antarctica from a Zodiac, while silently giving thanks to the All Glorious Creator for this exquisite land of water, snow, ice, penguins, and whales. Poet's Note: ▼ |
Jalal (Glory), 2 Kamal (Perfection) 177 B.E. - Saturday, August 1, 2020
30 day Activities :Kayaking with the whales and watching penquins and sampling local cuisine. 30 day Camping in Antarctica isn’t an activity for everyone — cozying up on the frozen ground in sub-zero temperatures isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. However, if you’re willing to sacrifice the luxuries of a comfy bed surrounded by four walls, you’re in for one of the coolest sleepovers you’ll ever have. While every boat tour company’s “campground” varies, one option could be Hovgaard Island on the west-facing side of the Antarctic Peninsula. Some outfitters provide tents while others opt for a more au natural experience of only a waterproof, cold weather sleeping bag (bivy sack) and thermal mat. Sleeping under the infinite number of Antarctica’s twinkling stars is a surreal experience and knowing there’s nothing between you and all of Antarctica’s frozen glory is truly a magical feeling. I've chosen the au natural for us. https://www.2foodtrippers.com/antarctica-food/#:~:text=Oh%20Pemmican%2C%20the%20.... Men need to increase their caloric intake to 4500 and women to 3900 to handle the temperatures. I'm assured we won't gain weight. https://www.adventurouskate.com/kayaking-antarctica/#:~:text=Kayaking%20in%20Ant.... The coordinating prompt for BCoF is on the forum and will be mailed directly just as this one is directly mailed. Please tag your response to the daily prompt post. Have fun, let your imagination take you where ever. Coffee and chocolate-- Pemmican and bannock-- meat and bread-- are foods I can consume together, along with chocolate-coffee, they set my taste buds watering. Hoosh-- sounds like an acquired taste-- please give me a second helping so that I can acquire the taste. Kayaking in Antarctica-- more fun than trick-or-treating in the snow in Oklahoma--8 makes going to one of the coldest places on Earth exciting. Kayaking in Antarctica is an adventure no human being should miss. Footnotes |
Kamal (Perfection), 12 Kalimat (Words) 177 B.E. - Monday, July 27, 2020
Day 2810: “Sacred space is not just an external place. It is an internal place as well.” ― Mat Auryn Use this quote to inspire your blog entry. The soul, the "inmost reality" of every human being, is sacred. It is the mirror capable of reflecting all the attributes of God. In order for the soul to reflect the radiance of God's light, it must be detached--cleaned of the dust and dross material desires. This occurs when the individual passes a test or overcomes aver come a difficulty that has kept it from expressing or accepting the Will of God in their life. "...Upon the inmost reality of each and every created thing He hath shed the light of one of His names, and made it a recipient of the glory of one of His attributes. Upon the reality of man, however, He hath focused the radiance of all of His names and attributes, and made it a mirror of His own Self. Alone of all created things man hath been singled out for so great a favor, so enduring a bounty."
DAY 2199: William Butler Yeats defined symbols as “images that are living souls.” Can you think of and talk about a few symbols in your culture or in your life that you hold dear that might fit Yeats’s definition? A symbol can represent a living soul, but I don't think all symbols are living souls. The most important symbols represent the sacred, with each religion having its own symbols. The symbols that I consider sacred represent the Baha'i Faith. These symbols are the Five-pointed Star, The Greatest Name, the Nine-pointed star, and the Ring Stone symbol.11 Information about these symbols are found in Baha'i Symbols https://bahai.com/Bahaullah/symbol.htm. Footnotes |
Jamal (Beauty), 15 Kalimat (Words) 177 B.E. - Sunday, July 26, 2020 "O bird without a nest! It is reported thy home and shelter is burnt, thy resting place and habitation is become desolate. Though this news is greatly affecting, yet do not be sorrowful and disheartened, because the birds of the divine gardens have nests on the branches of the Tree of Life. The earthly abode is not worth the attachment of the heart, for this structure will surely be destroyed, but that which is of worth to freed ones (detached from all save God) is the heavenly palace and the court of Divine Majesty. Thanks be to God that for each one of the divine freed slaves and the heavenly and dear maid-servants, an indestructible mansion will be erected in the New Kingdom. This mansion will be an everlasting dwelling, an eternal abode and shelter. There is a hidden wisdom in the burning of the house which before long will be clearly known. Divine attractions and heavenly bounties alone cause happiness to the hearts." On the last Sunday in July 2020, Detachment, is only, one of the tests salvation brings. Indeed, it may be one of the most severe tests my soul faces after salvation. On the last Sunday in July 2020, I contemplate salvation-- my soul's first severe test-- and its achievement first through faith in Christ (when I was a child) and second through faith in Baha'u'llah, as Christ returned in the Glory of the Father. Footnotes |
Jalal (Glory), 14 Kalimat (Words) 177 B.E. - Saturday, July 25, 2020
Day 2808: Today is Culinarians Day. This is the day to celebrated cooks, both professional and amateur. Write a tribute to someone in your life who cooks. My Grandmother, Mary Florence, was a wonderful cook. She baked pies for all our holiday occasions. She always took some type of salad to every potluck dinner she attended. The dish I remember fondly was her Spanish rice. She had her own recipe, and would make it usually for lunch or the noonday meal. Her Spanish rice was different from what one usually considers Spanish rice because she would make it with hamburger meat. In fact, it wasn't until I moved to Las Vegas that I found out Spanish rice was a vegetarian dish. Grandma Mary's Spanish Rice 1 to 2 lbs. hamburger meat 2 cups rice 1 or 2 small cans of tomato paste or sauce Salt, pepper, and other spices to taste. Cook hamburger meat and rice separately, with desired salt, pepper, and spices. When meat and rice are thoroughly cooked, mix them together in the skillet you cooked the hamburger meat in. Alternatively, you can mix them together in the pot you cooked the rice in. Add tomato sauce and/or paste. Alternatively, you can use either red or green salsa (this is what I usually use). If you prefer use ground chicken, turkey, pork, or vegetable based faux meat (this could work just as well as the real meat, with the proper spices added). |
Istiqlal (Independence), 13 Kalimat (Words) 177 B.E. - Friday, July 24, 2020 I appear to be coming out of whatever depression I've been dealing with. I'm not sure whether it had anything to do with COVID-19 self-isolation, social distancing, or wearing a mask. Over the past few weeks I've gotten out of the house a few times. While wearing a mask, I went to the beauty parlor, to pick up senior commodities, or to Quest Diagnostic for a blood draw. Next week I expect to pick up senior commodities for this month. On August 4 and 6 I have doctors appointments. I will be wearing a mask when I go out. In August "30-Day Blogging Challenge ON HIATUS" will be traveling through the As: "Antarctica, Australia, Asia, Africa, and the Americas with us ending in North America." I'm looking forward to this virtual vacation, because the only type of vacation I get any more is virtual. Another reason is that it let me or perhaps force me to plan part of my blog entries the night before. I would say write my blog entries out in long hand, but when I do that I always rewrite the entry when I post it in my blog. In addition, I will continue to post my "Blogging Circle of Friends " prompts, but the virtual itinerary will help me come up with ideas for the prompts I'm responsible for. |
Istijlal (Majesty), 12 Kalimat (Words) 177 B.E. - Thursday, July 23, 2020
DAY 2806: Sorry, a close friend of mine died last night from covid. Posting a prompt was the last thing on my mind. How are you staying sane with the numbers increasing daily? My friend was only 50 years old but Covid-19 took him. He didn't have pre-existing anything. I don't know about you but it's getting to be too real. Do you have words of wisdom for us to keep our sanity? How am I staying sane with COVID-19 numbers increasing daily? The sanity of a human being is precarious at any time. It becomes even more so during a national or international crises such as a pandemic. I am staying sane through prayer, meditation, scripture reading, reading and reviewing on writing.com, and attempting to keep my mind focused on the world around me. I still mourn my mother. I'm past the first stages of morning, but sometimes I still want to cry because she isn't here. One of the prayer I say is a prayer for the departed. When the body and soul separate at death, the soul can still progress toward God. In order to help the souls of our loved ones and friends progress in the next world, Baha'is say prayers for the departed. The prayer books we use have several prayers for the departed. In addition to the books, we can find prayer online or through a Baha'i Prayer app we download to our ssmartphones. Prayer for the Departed "O my God! O Thou forgiver of sins, bestower of gifts, dispeller of afflictions! Verily, I beseech thee to forgive the sins of such as have abandoned the physical garment and have ascended to the spiritual world. O my Lord! Purify them from trespasses, dispel their sorrows, and change their darkness into light. Cause them to enter the garden of happiness, cleanse them with the most pure water, and grant them to behold Thy splendors on the loftiest mount." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá14 Footnotes |
Idal (Justice), 11 Kalimat (Words) 177 B.E. - Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Day 2194: "The business of life is the acquisition of memories." Carson, Downton Abbey Season 6 Use this quote in your Blog entry today. "Man has two powers; and his development, two aspects. One power is connected with the material world, and by it he is capable of material advancement. The other power is spiritual, and through its development his inner, potential nature is awakened. These powers are like two wings. Both must be developed, for flight is impossible with one wing. Praise be to God! Material advancement has been evident in the world, but there is need of spiritual advancement in like proportion. We must strive unceasingly and without rest to accomplish the development of the spiritual nature in man, and endeavor with tireless energy to advance humanity toward the nobility of its true and intended station. For the body of man is accidental; it is of no importance. The time of its disintegration will inevitably come. But the spirit of man is essential and, therefore, eternal. It is a divine bounty. It is the effulgence of the Sun of Reality and, therefore, of greater importance than the physical body." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá15 The Business of Life The business of life Memories are a natural acquisition of having a physical body and living in the world of matter; they are acquired each day we spend on the material plane and interact with humanity. Our effort must go to passing tests, which help us develop the spiritual virtues that will cloth our souls in the next world. Footnotes |
Fidal (Grace), 10 Kalimat (Words) 177 B.E. - Tuesday, July 21, 2020
DAY 2804: Write about a strange experience that you've had - one that can't be explained rationally. I'm not sure if this qualifies as a strange experience or if it's a normal experience that happens to other people all the time. I know it happens to me quite often. In fact, it happened again this morning. It could be that it's just the residue of a dream I had before waking up. Anyway it concerns verses of scripture or lines of poetry that run through my mind. This morning, it was a scripture verse about Progressive Revelation. The verse is still running through my mind, and it will be on my mind for the rest of the day. "...This is the changeless Faith of God, eternal in the past, eternal in the future..." Baha'u'llah1617 Progressive Revelation is the concept that God never leaves humanity without spiritual guidance. Throughout the ages God has sent Divine Prophets or Manifestations18 to guide the human race on its next stage of spiritual evolution. Each of these Manifestations have come at the point in history they were most needed--when Divine Light was hidden by the veils of materialism, superstitions, and dogma. Each one had a specific mission, and reflected the Holy Spirit's Light to humanity. Each one foretold the arrival of a Manifestation who would bring peace and unity to Earth. Some of the Divine Manifestation God has sent are, Moses, Zoroaster, Krishna, Buddha, Muhammad, Christ, and--God's latest's Manifestations--The Bab, and Baha'u'llah. Baha'is belief that Baha'u'llah is the one foretold by other other Manifestations to bring unity and peace to Earth and humanity. Footnotes |
Kamal (Perfection), 9 Kalimat (Words) 177 B.E. - Monday, July 20, 2020
Day 2803: "You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is like an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.” Mahatma Gandhi - Use this quote to inspire your blog entry. It's more important to have faith in God, and show that faith by the way you treat other human beings. Faith in God is shown through actions. People will disappoint you, but God never disappoints. God is always there waiting for you to call on Him either directly or through one of His Divine Manifestations.
DAY 2192: “Whenever a poem enacts what it is about, it creates a way for itself to live dramatically inside the reader. It becomes an experience unto itself.” Edward Hirsh, from the book How to Read a Poem, page 45. Do you agree and if so, which kinds of poems leave the same or similar effect inside you? You consume a poem the same way you eat a piece of chocolate pie, one word bite at a time letting the flavor energize your mind, body, and soul . |
Jamal (Beauty), 8 Kalimat (Words) 177 B.E. - Sunday, July 19, 2020 It's Sunday morning of the Gregorian calendar. It's the day of Beauty on the Baha'i calendar. It's a partly cloudy day here in Las Vegas, without any wind or cooling breeze. This means temperatures will get into the triple digits, so I'll be turning on the air conditioner in an hour or so. I'd prefer to have to door open all day, but this time of year that's not possible. Half a day is longest I can expect the door to be open. "...Bahá’u’lláh hath said that the various races of humankind lend a composite harmony and beauty of color to the whole. Let all associate, therefore, in this great human garden even as flowers grow and blend together side by side without discord or disagreement between them." Beauty is in the eye of the beholder! Behold humanity beautiful in all its various shades and hues, the gem in the crown of creation. The question has been ask-- in an article by V. M. Gopaul-- Should I See Color in a Diverse Society? and the answer is yes. The answer is yes, because unity suggest differences and signifies a multicultural society that appriciates diversity. Footnotes |
Jalal (Glory), 7 Kalimat (Words) 177 B.E. - Saturday, July 18, 2020 A new and wondrous week begins. Last week the entries in this blog were focused on the days of the week in the Baha'i calendar. I haven't decided what the theme of this week will be. I haven't decided yet if I will make a blog entry every day. I could make an entry every-other-day instead of every day. I'll have to take it one-day-at-a-time and see how the week progresses. I haven't responded to any prompt from "Blogging Circle of Friends " or "Blog City ~ Every Blogger's Paradise" in a while, so I could respond to some of those. The only prompts I responding to, on a regular basis, are those from "Space Blog" . Those are posted in "Snow's Space Blog" . "There can be no doubt whatever, that the peoples of the world, of whatever race or religion, derive their inspiration from one heavenly Source and are subjects of one God." Baha'u'llah
Day 2781: Saturday is a good day to ________. Saturday is a good day to begin a new week, a good day the Glory of God to seek. Saturday is a good day to express one's gratitude, or to change a negative attitude. Saturday is a good day to contemplate progressive revelation, and to give thanks for all of God's Manifestations. |
Istiqlal (Independence), 6 Kalimat (Words) 177 B.E. - Friday, July 17, 2020 "O Lord! Unto Thee I repair for refuge, and toward all Thy signs I set my heart. O Lord! Whether traveling or at home, and in my occupation or in my work, I place my whole trust in Thee. Grant me then Thy sufficing help so as to make me independent of all things, O Thou Who art unsurpassed in Thy mercy! Bestow upon me my portion, O Lord, as Thou pleasest, and cause me to be satisfied with whatsoever Thou hast ordained for me. Thine is the absolute authority to command." This is the Day of Independence, the last day of a wondrous week at sunset a new wondrous week begins with tests and difficulties, and joy and happiness. Today I give thanks for my mind, which helps me investigate facts for myself, so that I can form my own opinion rather than relying on the opinions of others. Footnotes |
Istijlal (Makesty), 5 Kalimat (Words) 177 B.E. - Thursday, July 16, 2020 "Praised be Thou, O Lord my God! This is Thy servant who hath quaffed from the hands of Thy grace the wine of Thy tender mercy, and tasted of the savor of Thy love in Thy days. I beseech Thee, by the embodiments of Thy names whom no grief can hinder from rejoicing in Thy love or from gazing on Thy face, and whom all the hosts of the heedless are powerless to cause to turn aside from the path of Thy pleasure, to supply him with the good things Thou dost possess, and to raise him up to such heights that he will regard the world even as a shadow that vanisheth swifter than the twinkling of an eye. Keep him safe also, O my God, by the power of Thine immeasurable majesty, from all that Thou abhorrest. Thou art, verily, his Lord and the Lord of all worlds." This is the Day of Majesty, when the grandeur of God has been revealed through the revelation of The Bab and Baha'u'llah. Footnotes |
Idal (Justice), 4 Kalimat (Words) 177 B.E. - Wednesday, July 15, 2020 "O Son of Spirit! The best beloved of all things in My sight is Justice; turn not away therefrom if thou desirest Me, and neglect it not that I may confide in thee. By its aid thou shalt see with thine own eyes and not through the eyes of others, and shalt know of thine own knowledge and not through the knowledge of thy neighbor. Ponder this in thy heart; how it behooveth thee to be. Verily justice is My gift to thee and the sign of My loving-kindness. Set it then before thine eyes." This is the Day of Justice, the day to investigate truth for yourself, the day to seek for knowledge, and to form your own opinions. Footnotes |