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Rated: 18+ · Book · Women's · #1649240
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.
Previous ... 20 21 22 23 -24- 25 26 27 28 29 ... Next
May 28, 2019 at 11:43am
May 28, 2019 at 11:43am
#959787
Fiḍál (Grace), 12 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur) 176 B.E. - Tuesday, May 28, 2019

"Every word is endowed with a spirit … One word may be likened unto fire, another unto light, and the influence which both exert is manifest in the world. Therefore an enlightened man of wisdom should primarily speak with words as mild as milk, that the children of men may be nurtured and edified thereby and may attain the ultimate goal of human existence which is the station of true understanding and nobility."
Baha’u’llah1

The Power of Words2

Think before you speak
Your words hove the power to
Create or destroy

Gratitude List for 12 ‘Aẓamat

Today I am thankful...
         *BulletV* ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn this morning.
         *BulletV* ...for fresh brewed black coffee.
         *BulletV* ...that I have 836,667 GPs in my Gift Points account this morning.
         *BulletV* ...for the beautiful partly cloudy day because I can keep the front door open.
         *BulletV* ...that I have 1,056 points in my Survey Junkie account, and was able to transfer $10.56 to my PayPal account.
         *BulletV* ...that I was able to finish Where Are Your Moral Goalposts?   by Maya Bohnhoff, which is the first article in the series Do No Harm  .

Footnotes
1  Tablets of Baha’u’llah, pp. 172-173.
2  I posted this on Poet 999 - Butterfly Emerges From Her Cocoon https://poet999.blogspot.com/2019/05/the-power-of-words.html.
May 27, 2019 at 10:47am
May 27, 2019 at 10:47am
#959712
Kamál (Perfection), 11 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur) 176 B.E. - Monday, May 27, 2019

"If any differences arise amongst you, behold Me standing before your face and overlook the faults of one another for My name's sake and as a token of your lvoe for My manifest and resplendent Cause."
Baha'u'llah

God Doesn't See Differences3

God doesn't see the differences
of color,
religion,
gender,
or nation.

God looks within
the individual human
and sees the divine attributes
that are reflected
in the mirror of the soul.

Gratitude List for 11 ‘Aẓamat

Today I am thankful...
         *BulletV* ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn this morning.
         *BulletV* ...for fresh brewed hot black coffee.
         *BulletV* ...that I have 848 points in my Survey Junkie account.
         *BulletV* ...for the two pieces of candy I have for my morning and afternoon snack.
         *BulletV* ...that I have $13.39 in my Vindale Research account.
         *BulletV* ...for the beautiful pleasant day because I can keep the font door open to get some fresh air into the house.
         *BulletV* ...that "Memorial Day Ceremonies"  won "Invalid Item"  May 26 contest.

Facebook Status Update

It's Monday, May 27, I still have bedbug infested carpets. I removed the recliner I was sleeping on, and got something else that works. I can sleep in relative peace. I have contacted everyone I can think of, including code enforcement. I still have the damn carpets on the floors.

In addition, I think there may be bedbugs in my clothes. Either that or the very thought of the creatures are making me itch. Taking a show works for a few minutes. Rubbing alcohol works better, but I don't have enough rubbing alcohol to take a bath in.

I've gotten no satisfaction from anyone. I'm at my wits end. I need to get this carpet taken up and something else put down.

Footnotes
3  I posted this in Poet 999 - A Butterfly Emerges From Her Cocoon https://poet999.blogspot.com/2019/05/god-doesnt-see-differences.html.
May 26, 2019 at 11:08am
May 26, 2019 at 11:08am
#959651
Jamál (Beauty), 10 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur) 176 B.E. - Sunday, May 26, 2019

"Verily I say, the creation of God embraceth worlds besides this world, and creatures apart from these creatures. In each of these worlds He hath ordained things which none can search except Himself, the All-Searching, the All-Wise."
Bahá’u’lláh, Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh p. 187-188

"Regarding the passage on p. 163 of the 'Gleanings'; the creatures which Bahá’u’lláh states to be found in every planet cannot be considered to be necessarily similar or different from human beings on this earth. Bahá’u’lláh does not specifically state whether such creatures are like or unlike us. He simply refers to the fact that there are creatures in every planet. It remains for science to discover one day the exact nature of these creatures."
Shoghi Effendi, Lights of Guidance p. 478

Life in the Universe4

Ear star has planets
Each planet has its own life forms
The galaxy and the universe created for life

There are 156 days until October 29, 2019, and the celebration of the bicentenary of the Birth of the Bab. The commemoration of the Martyrdom of the Bab is 45 days away. The commemoration of the Ascension of Baha'u'llah is 3 days away. I need to put on my thinking cap (my grandmother's words) and write some more poems. I have finished 16 of the 200 I'm dedicating to the Bab.

Gratitude List for 10 ‘Aẓamat

Today I am thankful...
         *BulletV* ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today.
         *BulletV* ...for the fresh brewed coffee I have to drink this morning.
         *BulletV* ...that I have 747 points in my Survey Junkie account.
         *BulletV* ...for the grapefruit I had for breakfast this morning.
         *BulletV* ...that I was able to finish Native Messengers: Lone Man and the Mandan Sacred Values   by Christopher Buck and Kevin Locke, which is installment 39 in the series Indigenous Messengers of God  .
         *BulletV* ...for the pleasant day because I can keep the door open, and don't have to turn on the air conditioner for cool air.
         *BulletV* ... that I have $12.26 in my Inbox Dollars account.




Footnotes
4  I posted this on Poet 999 - A Butterfly Emerges From Her Cocoon https://poet999.blogspot.com/2019/05/life-in-universe.html.
May 25, 2019 at 11:17am
May 25, 2019 at 11:17am
#959601
Jalál (Glory), 9 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur) 176 B.E. - Saturday, May 25, 2019

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-Bahá5

Memorial Day Thoughts

It's Memorial Day weekend, and most people will be barbecuing or going to Memorial Day sales. How many will think of why we commemorate Memorial Day? How many will think of the toll that war has on those who fight and come home alive? I know I didn't until I read the article No Bad Guys on Memorial Day   by David Langness. We civilians, who have never been in battle, can't know or comprehend the damage war does to the minds and the souls of soldiers. Instead of celebrating Memorial Day--which is what many of us do--we need to stop and say a prayer for the souls of those soldiers killed in battle.

Gratitude List for 9 ‘Aẓamat

Today I am thankful...
         *BulletV* ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn this morning.
         *BulletV* ...for fresh brewed black coffee sipped from my writing.com travel mug.
         *BulletV* ...that I have 523 points in my Survey Junkie account.
         *BulletV* ...for the beautiful, pleasant day because I can keep the door open.
         *BulletV* ...that I was able to finish the article The Survival of the Soul after Death   by Alan Dworak, which is the first article in the series What Happens To Us After We Die?  .

Saturday Afternoon6

Partly cloudy
patches of blue sky
peek through grayish-white clouds
that are pushed by the wind
toward the western mountains.

Footnotes
5  http://www.bahaiprayers.org/depart4.htm
6  I posted this on Poet 999 - A Butterfly Emerges From Her Cocoon https://poet999.blogspot.com/2019/05/saturday-afternoon.html.
May 24, 2019 at 11:05am
May 24, 2019 at 11:05am
#959549
Istiqlál (Independence), 8 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur) 176 B.E. - Friday, May 24, 2019

Today, 8 ‘Aẓamat, is the day we are celebrating the Declaration of the Bab. It is a Holy Day, on which work should be suspended; therefore, I chose not to do any surveys today because--at this point in my life--those are work. Instead I listed to two podcast, did some reviews, and writing. I feel relaxed and unworried. I'll go back to doing surveys either after sunset today--that's when 8 ‘Aẓamat ends--or when I get back online on Saturday, May 25. I feel so refreshed that I plan to make a habit of taking one day a week of survey work off.


Next week I will take of May 29, 13 ‘Aẓamat, which is the Ascension of Baha'u'llah. After that, I plan to take Friday off survey work, unless there is a Holy Day during the week. If the week has a Holy Day in it, I will take the Holy Day off. I plan to begin this new schedule in June.

Gratitude List for 8 ‘Aẓamat

Today I am thankful...
         *BulletV* ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn this morning.
         *BulletV* ...for the cake doughnut I had with my coffee this morning.
         *BulletV* ...that my feet weren't swelled this morning, and I could get my shoes on without difficulty.
         *BulletV* ...for the fresh brewed black coffee I have to drink today/
         *BulletV* ...that I have five Editors' Picks items for my upcoming edition of the spiritual newsletter.
         *BulletV* ...for the beauty of this late spring day, because I can keep the door open all day.
May 23, 2019 at 11:18am
May 23, 2019 at 11:18am
#959498
Istijlál (Majesty), 7 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur) 176 B.E. - Thursday, May 23, 2019

"On this day in 1844 the Bab was sent forth heralding and proclaiming the Kingdom of God, announcing the glad tidings of the coming of Baha’u’llah and withstanding the opposition of the whole Persian nation. Some of the Persians followed Him. For this they suffered the most grievous difficulties and severe ordeals. They withstood the tests with wonderful power and sublime heroism. Thousands were cast into prison, punished, persecuted and martyred. Their homes were pillaged and destroyed, their possessions confiscated. They sacrificed their lives most willingly and remained unshaken in their faith to the very end. Those wonderful souls are the lamps of God, the stars of sanctity shining gloriously from the eternal horizon of the will of God."
Abdu'l-Baha7

Declaration of The Bab8

It was the dawn
of a new day for humanity
when its unity
became firmly established.

Gratitude List for 7 ‘Aẓamat

Today I am thankful...
         *BulletV* ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn this morning.
         *BulletV* ...fir fresh brewed hot coffee sipped from my writing.com travel mug.
         *BulletV* ...that the money from PayPal hit my checking account yessterday.
         *BulletV* ...for the cake doughnut I have to go with my coffee this morning.
         *BulletV* ...that I have 473 points in my Survey Junkie account.
         *BulletV* ...that I was able to read The Declaration of the Bab: A New Revelation Regenerates Humanity   From the Editors of bahaiteaching.org  .
         *BulletV* ...that I have $11.89 in my Vindale research account.



Footnotes
7  The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 138.
8  I posted this on Poet 999 - A Butterfly Emerges From Her Cocoon https://poet999.blogspot.com/2019/05/declaration-of-bab.html.
May 22, 2019 at 12:07pm
May 22, 2019 at 12:07pm
#959449
‘Idál (Justice), 6 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur) 176 B.E. - Wednesday, May 22, 2019

"The essence of all that We have revealed for thee is Justice, is for man to free himself from idle fancy and imitation, discern with the eye of oneness His glorious handiwork, and look into all things with a searching eye."
Baha'u'llah9

Independent investigation is important, especially if people are to be a good citizen of the world or their native lands. I was never taught to investigate truth or anything else. As a child, I was expected to obey my parents and grandparent, which most of the time wasn't a problem. In school the only questions I was expected to ask or answer concerned the school work. In church and Sunday school, I was taught that the only truth was the Bible and the way the verses were explained by the preacher or the Sunday school teachers. An questions that didn't suite the Southern Baptist understanding of biblical scriptures was discouraged and left unanswered.


I remember when I started asking questions. It occurred in a Sunday school class I attended at the First Southern Baptist Mission in the Smelter Heights in Blackwell, Oklahoma. I'm not sure how old I was at the time, perhaps I was in the first or second grade of regular school. Anyway, the lesson was "the only way to salvation" or something like that. My question had to do with the people who were born and died before Christ came into world history. After the instructor told us that the only way to salvation was through Christ, I ask what about the people who lived and died before Christ appeared. She told me I didn't need to worry about that because if they were good people, they would go to heaven.

Telling me not to worry about something is the same as telling me it's something I have to worry about. From that encounter, I learned that I was expected to accept, without question, all the doctrines. It didn't stop me from asking questions, it just stopped me from asking them aloud. I finally got an answer to my question after I became a Baha'i and was introduced to the concept of Progressive Revelation.

Gratitude List for 6 ‘Aẓamat

Today I am thankful...
         *BulletV* ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today
         *BulletV* ...for the cake doughnut I had with my coffee this morning.
         *BulletV* ...that I have 54,000 points in my YouGov account.
         *BulletV* ...for the rain we received in Las Vegas this morning.
         *BulletV* ...that I have 181 points in my Survey Junkie account.
         *BulletV* ...for the ginger ale I had with my lunch.
         *BulletV* ...that I was able to finish What Does it Mean to Investigate Your Own Truth?   by Victoria Welborn, which is the first article in the series The What Why and How of Independent Investigation  .
         *BulletV* ...that I have $66.44 in my Adsense account.

Morning Rain10

Inhale the morning
the fresh scent of rain washing
the dust from the air.

Footnotes
9  Tablets of Baha’u’llah, p. 156.
10  I posted this on Poet 999 - A Butterfly Emerges From Her Cocoon https://poet999.blogspot.com/2019/05/morning-rain.html.
May 21, 2019 at 10:34am
May 21, 2019 at 10:34am
#959382
Fiḍál (Grace), 5 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur) 176 B.E. - Tuesday, May 21, 2019

“O thou who art the first to believe in Me! Verily I say, I am the Bab, the Gate of God, and thou art the Babu’l-Bab, the gate of that Gate. Eighteen souls must, in the beginning, spontaneously and of their own accord, accept Me and recognise the truth of My Revelation.”
The Bab11

After sunset of May 22 in 1844 the Bab declared his mission to His first believer. That event, which occurred 175 was the beginning of the Baha'i Faith. The Bab, who was the forerunner of Baha'u'llah, declared his mission with the above . October 29 is the Bicentenary of the Birth of the Bab, which is the first day of the twin holy days celebrated by the Baha'is across the planet. October 30, the second day of the twin holy days, is the celebration of the Birth of Baha'u'llah. The beginning of the Baha'i faith occurred on the night of the Declaration of the Bab. and it is from this moment that part of the inspiration for everything the Baha'is do come. Another moment of inspiration come from the Declaration of Baha'u'llah in April. Baha'is across the planet refer to The Bab and Baha'u'llah as the twin manifestations of God.


Gratitude List for 5 ‘Aẓamat

Today I am thankful...
         *BulletV* ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today.
         *BulletV* ...for the cake doughnut I have to go with my coffee this morning.
         *BulletV* ...that I have 1,028 points in my Survey Junkie account. I redeemed it for $10.28 to my PayPal account.
         *BulletV* ...for the GoGurt snack I had to go with my lunch.
         *BulletV* ...that I have $11.50 in my Vindale Research account.
         *BulletV* ...for the Suave Aloe Soothing Lotion because it makes my skin feel good, especially when it is dry.


Footnotes
11  The Bab's words to Mulla Husayn, the first of the Letters of the Living.
May 20, 2019 at 9:43am
May 20, 2019 at 9:43am
#959328
Kamál (Perfection), 4 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur) 176 B.E. - Monday, May 20, 2019

"O thou who art longing to witness the lights from the Beauty Abha!

Thy letter reached me at this moment and I was rejoiced at thine excellent words which proved the enkindlement of the fire of the love of God in thy heart. Be confident in the bounty of thy Lord. Verily He will make thee a manifest example and an evident proof for the attainment of His Kingdom in this glorious century. Then the fire of His love will flame in thy heart, the light of His knowledge will shine in thy face, thy tongue will speak with eloquent explanation and thy spirit will be attracted unto the kingdom of knowledge.

O maid-servant of God! The Spirit knoweth the spirit, the Spirit addresseth the spirit and the Spirit associateth with the spirit…"
‘Abdu’l-Baha1213

It's Monday again. It's the third Monday in May 2019, a month with only four Mondays in it. I've lived in this apartment almost six months. I've lived in this apartment over five difficult months. I don't think the situation is getting worse, but I don't know that it's getting any better. I could be wrong, my situation could be getting better and I just don't see it. I think part of the problem is my focus. I need to focus on the bounty and blessings of God rather than the situation I find myself in.



Gratitude List for 4 ‘Aẓamat

Today I am thankful...
         *BulletV* ...that I was able to sleep through the night without getting woke up by bedbugs biting me.
         *BulletV* ...for the cake doughnut I have to go with my coffee this morning.
         *BulletV* ...that Faye's check arrived today.
         *BulletV* ...for the Arizona ice tea I had with my lunch.
         *BulletV* ...that I have 662 points in my Survey Junkie account.
         *BulletV* ...for the hamburger sandwich I had for lunch.
         *BulletV* ...that I have one Editor's Pick for my June edition of the spiritual newsletter.
         *BulletV* ...for the Canada Dry ginger ale I have with my evening meal.

Nightingales Gratitude14

Nightingales
raise their songs in praise,
intoning
gratitude
to the All-Glorious Lord:
The Glory of God.

Footnotes
12  Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, vol. 1
13  Quoted on Counsels and Explanations by 'Abdu'l-Baha -- Daily Readings: May 19
14  I posted this on Poet 999 - A Butterfly Emerges From Her Cocoon https://poet999.blogspot.com/2019/05/nightingales-gratitude.html.
May 19, 2019 at 10:13am
May 19, 2019 at 10:13am
#959259
Jamál (Beauty), 3 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur) 176 B.E. - Sunday, May 19, 2019

"The endowments which distinguish the human race from all other forms of life are summed up in what is known as the human spirit; the mind is its essential quality. These endowments have enabled humanity to build civilizations and to prosper materially. But such accomplishments alone have never satisfied the human spirit, whose mysterious nature inclines it towards transcendence, a reaching towards an invisible realm, towards the ultimate reality, that unknowable essence of essences called God."
Bahá’í Scripture

I've written 15 poems dedicated to The Bab, and I have 185 to finish; at least, I think that's the count. I have to go back and check to make sure of the count, and see if any of the poems I have written need rewriting or editing. In addition, I think I have one poem in "Bicentenary Poems and Prose"  that I need to finish. The poem I'm thinking about was started before I began the 200, but I'm not sure when. I'll go back through them and see what I have. There could be other poems I need to rewrite or edit, as well.


The Soul's Goal15

To know and love God
This is the goal of our souls
Seeking transcendence

Gratitude List for 3 ‘Aẓamat

Today I am thankful...
         *BulletV* ...that I have 582 points in my Survey Junkie account.
         *BulletV* ...for the fresh brewed coffee I had this morning.
         *BulletV* ...that I was able to finish The Indigenous Prophets: Lone Man in Mandan Sacred Tradition   by Christopher Buck & Kevin Locke, which is part of the series Indigenous Messengers of God  .
         *BulletV* ...for the slice of pumpkin pie I had at the Baha'i Center today.
         *BulletV* ...that I was able to finish Do All Peoples Have a Prophet?   by Christopher Buck and Nosratollah Mohammadhosseini, which is part of the series Indigenous Messengers of God  .
         *BulletV* ...for bottled water because it tastes better than the Brita pitcher water, which means I tend to drink more.


Footnotes
15  I posted this in Poet 999 - A Butterfly Emerges From Her Cocoon https://poet999.blogspot.com/2019/05/the-souls-goal.html.
May 18, 2019 at 11:03am
May 18, 2019 at 11:03am
#959191
Jalál (Glory), 2 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur) 176 B.E. - Saturday, May 18, 2019

“God, the Unknowable Essence”

"God in His Essence and in His own Self hath ever been unseen, inaccessible, and unknowable. By Presence, therefore, is meant the Presence of the One Who is His Vicegerent amongst men. We beseech Him -- exalted be He -- to aid every one to become the essence of truthfulness, and to draw nigh unto Him. He, verily, is the Lord of strength and power. No God is there but Him, the All-Hearing, the Lord of Utterance, the Almighty, the All-Praised."
Bahá’í Scripture

Sunday, May 19, is the devotional meeting at Baha'i Center, located at 7035 W. Oakey Blvd. in Las Vegas, Nevada. The theme for this month's devotional is “God, the Unknowable Essence”. I'm looking forward, as I do every month, to attending this devotional service. During the devotional portion of the meeting quotes from the Baha'i Scriptures, the Qur'an, the Christian Bible, and other sacred scriptures are read. At the end of the devotional portion announcements are made and questions are answered. The social portion, in which refreshments are served and more questions answers, is the last part of the meeting.


Meditation
on the Existence of God16

There is a timeless quality about life--
about living--
which extends beyond what I know,
and what I feel.

It extends into an unknown realm;
existing between illusion and reality,
between dreaming and waking,
between death and life.

There is more to life than anything I have experienced,
anything I have imagined.

It is not that I am missing something,
rather something exist which I cannot grasp,
and cannot comprehend.

This something I call God.

He exist,
though not in the same way as I,
He is beyond all I know,
all I see,
all I feel.

Without God there would be no Universe,
no Life.

Gratitude List for 2 ‘Aẓamat

Today I am thankful...
         *BulletV* ...that I was able to finish Seeing the Oneness in Navajo Teachings and the Baha’i Faith   by Bitahnii Wayne Wilson.
         *BulletV* ...for the chocolate doughnut I have to go with my coffee this morning.
         *BulletV* ...that I have 564 points in my Survey Junkie account.
         *BulletV* ...for the banana I had with my breakfast today.
         *BulletV* ...that I have $10.50 in my Vindale Research account.
         *BulletV* ...for the Vega puffs I had with my lunch.
         *BulletV* ...that I received a merit badge today.
Merit Badge in Mental Health Writers Alliance [Click For More Info] Congratulations, Neva! *^*Heartg*^* You won the virtual dice roll for Week 2 of Mental Health Awareness Month!! Thank you for participating and raising awareness through your reviews. *^*Awarenessg*^*

         *BulletV* ...for the Brita pitcher we have to keep water in until we can afford to purchase bottled water.
         *BulletV* ...that I have decided on the theme for my upcoming Spiritual newsletter and have the research links I need.


Footnotes
16  I posted this in Poet 999 - A Butterfly Emerges from Her Co coon https://poet999.blogspot.com/2019/05/meditation-on-existence-of-god.html.
May 17, 2019 at 12:05pm
May 17, 2019 at 12:05pm
#959146
Istiqlál (Independence), 1 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur) 176 B.E. - Friday, May 17, 2019
Feast of Grandeur

"Know verily nothing will benefit a person save the love of the Merciful One. Nothing illuminates a man's heart save the radiance which shines forth from the Kingdom of God! Put away every thought and doubtful mentioning and keep thy thoughts entirely on that which uplifts man to the heaven of the gift of God and that which causes every bird that belongs to the Kingdom to soar unto the incomparable realms, the center of everlasting grandeur in this world."
Abdu'l-Baha17

This is the first day of ‘Aẓamat, the month of Grandeur. The first day of the month is the Feast Day of Grandeur, because that is when the nineteen-day feast for this month is usually held. The nineteen-day feast is divided into three portions: (1) the spiritual, (3) business, and (4) social. The spiritual portion consist of readings from the Baha'i scriptures, music, and prayer. During the business portion reports from the Local Spiritual Assembly (local governing body of the Baha'i Faith), letter from the National Spiritual Assembly, and the Universal House of Justice are read. In addition, the community members share suggestions with the LSA. During the social portion refreshments are served and the community members socialize.



On the day of Baha,
in the month of 'Azamat,
united in purpose
and harmonized in thought
we celebrate...

O Lord,
Our diversity reveals
the grandeur of Thy Cause.

Men and women,
adults and youth,
raise their voices in praise
at the Supper of the Lord.

There are two upcoming Holy Days in ‘Aẓamat: (1) on 8 ‘Aẓamat (May 24) is the Celebration of the Declaration of The Bab, and (2) on 13 ‘Aẓamat (May 29) is the Commemoration of the Ascension of Baha'u'llah. In other news, I have finished 15 of 200 poem I am dedicating to The Bab, there are 164 days until October 29 (the Bicentenary of the Celebration of the Birth of the Bab), which is the deadline for finishing the 200 poems.

Gratitude List for 1 ‘Aẓamat

Today I am thankful...
         *BulletV* ...that i have 508 points in my Survey Junkie account today.
         *BulletV* ...for the chocolate covered doughnut I had with my coffee this morning.
         *BulletV* ...that I discovered some Quotations from The Bab  , that I can get inspiration for the poems I have left to write.
         *BulletV* ...for the banana I had to go with my lunch today.
         *BulletV* ...that I have $11.66 in my Inbox Dollars account.
         *BulletV* ...for the can of Arizona sweet ice tea I had to go with my lunch today.
         *BulletV* ...that I have 808,289 GPs in my Gift Points account.


Footnotes
17  Tablets of Abdu'l-Baha
18  I posted this on Poet 999 - A Butterfly Emerges From Her Cocoon https://poet999.blogspot.com/2019/05/feast-of-grandeur.html.
May 11, 2019 at 8:41am
May 11, 2019 at 8:41am
#958748
Jalál (Glory), 14 Jamál (Beauty) 176 B.E. - Saturday, May 11, 2019

May Afternoon19

Pleasant afternoon
A dog barks in the next block:
Is he chasing cats?

Gratitude List for 14 Jamál

Today I am thankful...
         *BulletV* ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn this morning.
         *BulletV* ...for the hot, black coffee I had before breakfast.
         *BulletV* ...that I have 562 points in my Survey Junkie account today.
         *BulletV* ...for the oatmeal raisin cookies I have for my morning snack.
         *BulletV* ...that I have $9.75 in my Vindale Research account.
         *BulletV* ...for the baked chicken and summer salad I had for dinner.
         *BulletV* ...that I have $11.11 in my Inbox Dollars account.

Jamál (Beauty), 15 Jamál (Beauty) 176 B.E. - Sunday, May 12, 2019
Mother's Day

Facebook Status Update

I'm sleepless in Las Vegas,
but this isn't my usual
bout of insomnia.

I'm falling asleep at the keyboard;
Thank God,
I no longer drive
or have a car.

Two weeks without
a decent night's sleep,
and I don't see
it getting any better.

I'll call the leasing
company on Monday,
without any hope they'll
do anything--
there are still items
that needed fixing
when we moved in.

Two weeks
of waking up in then
middle of the night
with stinging
and itching
arms and body.

We've sprayed
the furniture
and the rug,
but spray doesn't work;
at least not to exterminate
the problem.

Gratitude List for 15 Jamál

Today I am thankful...
         *BulletV* ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today
         *BulletV* ...for the fresh brewed hot coffee I had this morning.
         *BulletV* ...that I have 602 points in my Survey Junkie account.
         *BulletV* ...for the oatmeal raisin cookies I had to go with my coffee this morning.
         *BulletV* ...that I have $18.00 in my Send Earnings account.
         *BulletV* ...that I have completed editing and submitted the Fantasy newsletter due on 5/13/19.
         *BulletV* ...that I have decided on the subject for the June spiritual newsletter.
         *BulletV* ...that I have 759,489 GPs in my Gift Points account.

Kamál (Perfection), 16 Jamál (Beauty) 176 B.E. - Monday, May 13, 2019

Collage20

Clouds haphazardly
Scattered across the blue sky
Condensation trials

Gratitude List for 16 Jamál

Today I am thankful...
         *BulletV* ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today.
         *BulletV* ...for the oat meal raisin cookies I had to go with my morning coffee.
         *BulletV* ...that I have 653 points in my Survey Spot account.
         *BulletV* ...for the chocolate yogurt and pretzels I had with my lunch.
         *BulletV* ...that I have $18.50 in my Send Earnings account.
         *BulletV* ...that May/June edition of The American Baha'i arrived in the mail today.

Fiḍál (Grace), 17 Jamál (Beauty) 176 B.E. - Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Facebook Status Update

I finally got a good night's sleep without bedbug biting. The bedbugs didn't make an appearance until sometime in April, so we didn't bring them with us. I suspect they were in the carpet. The problem has been turned into every one it can be turned into.

We drug out the old recliner, and set it in front of the apartment. We brought in something that I can sleep in, it isn't a recliner, but it does lean back. It will work until I can afford to get a new or used recliner.

I also took out a pillow. It was one of the magnetic pillows that was popular several years ago. It had a removable cover, which could be dry cleaned. I've had the pillow for years, never dry cleaned or washed the cover. Since I wasn't going to dry clean or wash the cover, I took the pillow out with the recliner.

This morning I woke up and found out someone had taken the pillow. The pillow had bedbugs in it.

Gratitude List for 17 Jamál

Today I am thankful...
         *BulletV* ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today.
         *BulletV* ...for fresh brewed hot coffee.
         *BulletV* ...that I have 952 points in my Survey Junkie account.
         *BulletV* ...for the oatmeal raisin cookies I had for my morning snack.
         *BulletV* ...that I have 53,400 points in my YouGov account.
         *BulletV* ...for the brita pitcher we have because we can filter our water.
         *BulletV* ...that we have a working air conditioner in this apartment.
         *BulletV* ...that I have 798,539 GPs in my Gift Points account.


‘Idál (Justice), 18 Jamál (Beauty) 176 B.E. - Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Gratitude List for 18 Jamál

Today I am thankful...
         *BulletV* ...that I was able to request $12.91 sent to my PayPal account from my Survey Junie account.
         *BulletV* ...for the fresh brewed coffee I drink this morning.
         *BulletV* ...that I have 49 points in my Survey Junkie account.
         *BulletV* ...for the small shredded wheat squares and blue berries I had for breakfast.
         *BulletV* ...that I have 808,589 GPs in my Gift Points account.
         *BulletV* ...for the chicken salad I had for lunch.


Istijlál (Majesty), 19 Jamál (Beauty) 176 B.E. - Thursday, May 16, 2019

Gratitude List for 19 Jamál

Today I am thankful...
         *BulletV* ...that the bank honored this months contribution to the Baha'i National Fund.
         *BulletV* ...for the chocolate doughnut I have to go with my coffee this morning
         *BulletV* ...that I have 125 points in my Survey Junkie account today.

Footnotes
19  I posted this in Poet 999 - A Butterfly Emerges From Her Cocoon https://poet999.blogspot.com/2019/05/may-afternoon.html.
20  I posted this in Poet 999 - A Butterfly Emerges From Her Cocoon https://poet999.blogspot.com/2019/05/collage.html.
May 3, 2019 at 10:38pm
May 3, 2019 at 10:38pm
#958194
Jalál (Glory), 7 Jamál (Beauty) 176 B.E. - Saturday, May 4, 2019

Spiritual Capabilities21

Spiritual capabilities
allows humanity to discover
the mysteries of the surround universe.

We can chose the path we take,
and change our minds
when that path
is no longer working.

Jamál (Beauty), 8 Jamál (Beauty) 176 B.E. - Sunday, May 5, 2019

Reflections on the Day of Beauty22

Sunshine and coffee
Another beautiful day
A new week begins

Fiḍál (Grace), 10 Jamál (Beauty) 176 B.E. - Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Nightingale's Song23

Listen for the Nightingale's song
echoing from Paradise
calling for love, peace, and unity.

Istijlál (Majesty), 12 Jamál (Beauty) 176 B.E. - Thursday, May 9, 2019

Dawn in Las Vegas24

Silence
Tranquility
Dawn breaks over Sunrise Mountain
Crowning its crest in glory

Footnotes
21  I posted this in Poet 999 - A Butterfly Emerges From Her Cocoon https://poet999.blogspot.com/2019/05/spiritual-capabilities.html.
22  I posted this in Poet 999 - A Butterfly Emerges From Her Cocoon https://poet999.blogspot.com/2019/05/reflections-on-day-of-beauty.html<
23  I posted this on Poet 999 - A Butterfly Emerg3es from Her Cocoon https://poet999.blogspot.com/2019/05/nightingales-song.html.
24  I posted this in Poet 999 - A Butterfly Emerges from Her Cocoon https://poet999.blogspot.com/2019/05/dawn-in-las-vegas.html.
April 26, 2019 at 10:30pm
April 26, 2019 at 10:30pm
#957619
Jalál (Glory), 19 Jalál (Glory) 176 B.E. - Saturday, April 27, 2019

The Seventh Day of Ridvan25

Take the Golden Rule to heart.
Obey it! As if it were a law of nature:
Love your neighbor as yourself.
Every human being is your neighbor,
Regardless of religion or national origin.
Arise! Let your actions express the Golden Rule.
Notice the similarities in phrasing of the rule across religions.
Consider the meaning: the common foundation of all religions,
Each one sent by the same Divine Creator.

Jamál (Beauty), 1 Jamál (Beauty) 176 B.E. - Sunday, April 28, 2019
Feast of Beauty

Facebook Status Update

New coffeemaker
Brews my coffee fresh and strong
Beautiful Sunday

The Eight Day of Ridvan26

Love is the secret
Without love there is no peace
No life in the universe

Kamál (Perfection), 2 Jamál (Beauty) 176 B.E. - Monday, April 29, 2019

The Ninth Day of Ridvan27

It is the Ninth Day of Ridvan,
a day for family
and happiness.

I weep
for my Baha'i brothers
and sisters
who are facing execution
because of their acceptance
of Baha'u'llah.

I weep
and I pray
to the All-Glorious Lord
to soften the hearts
of those who hate
other human beings
because they profess a different faith.

Fiḍál (Grace), 3 Jamál (Beauty) 176 B.E. - Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Facebook Status Update

Yesterday it rained
Today the sun is shining
Spring in Nevada

The Tenth Day of Ridvan28

Beautiful Tuesday
Sunshine, partly cloudy sky,
Wind in the palm trees


‘Idál (Justice), 4 Jamál (Beauty) 176 B.E. - Wednesday, May 1, 2019

The Eleventh Day of Ridvan29

As the King of Festivals
draws to an end
I contemplate the coming
Holy Days,
and the poems I will write.

Istijlál (Majesty), 5 Jamál (Beauty) 176 B.E. - Thursday, May 2, 2019

The Twelfth Day of Ridvan30

Raise your voices in praise,
the day of peace has come,
and the Prince of Peace arrived.

Istiqlál (Independence), 6 Jamál (Beauty) 176 B.E. - Friday, May 3, 2019

Healer and Protector31

God is the healer
Of all of our afflictions:
He is the generous, the All-Knowing.

God is the protector
He holds the universe:
He is the generous, the All-Merciful.

Footnotes
25  I posted this in Poet 999 - A Butterfly Emerges From He Cocoon [link:https://poet999.blogspot.com/2019/04/the-sevenh-day-of-ridvan.html}.
26  I posted thin in Poet 999 - A Butterfly Emerges from Her Cocoon https://poet999.blogspot.com/2019/04/the-eight-day-of-ridvan.html.
27  I posted this on Poet 999 - A Butterfly Emerges From Her Cocoon https://poet999.blogspot.com/2019/04/the-ninth-day-of-ridvan.html.
28  I posted this in Poet 999 - A Butterfly Emerges fro Her Cocoon https://poet999.blogspot.com/2019/04/the-tenth-day-of-ridvan.html.
29  I posted this on Poet 999 - A Butterfly Emerges from Her Cocoon https://poet999.blogspot.com/2019/05/the-eleventh-day-of-ridvan.html.
30  I posted this in Poet 999 - A Butterfly Emerges from Her cocoon https://poet999.blogspot.com/2019/05/the-twelfth-day-of-ridvan.html.
31  I posted this on Poet 999-A Butterfly Emerges From Her Cocoon https://poet999.blogspot.com/2019/05/healer-and-protector.html.
April 20, 2019 at 12:15pm
April 20, 2019 at 12:15pm
#957087
Jalál (Glory), 12 Jalál (Glory) 176 B.E. - Saturday, April 20, 2019

Saturday Morning
on Sunrise Avenue32

Morning sparrows sing
Serenade cooing pigeons
Saturday drivers

neighborhood children
Shouts and laughter echoing
Play in the courtyard

Jamál (Beauty), 13 Jalál (Glory) 176 B.E. - Sunday, April 21, 2019

The First Day of Ridvan 33

The Festival of Paradise
has begun,
Nightingales of the All-Glorious,
raise your songs
in the rose garden
of the love of God.

Kamál (Perfection), 14 Jalál (Glory) 176 B.E. - Monday, April 22, 2019

The Second Day of Ridvan34

The wind intones
the joyful news proclaiming
the Glory of God.

In the Garden of Paradise,
Baha'u'llah proclaimed His mission
now we all give thanks.

Fiḍál (Grace), 15 Jalál (Glory) 176 B.E. - Tuesday, April 23, 2019

The Third Day of Ridvan35

Raise your voices,
intone the Ridvan Table,
and celebrate the King of Festivals


Facebook Status Update

I hear a sparrow
singing its gratitude
for this beautiful spring morning.

‘Idál (Justice), 16 Jalál (Glory) 176 B.E. - Wednesday, April 24, 2019

The Fourth Day of Ridvan36

When does faith begin?
The first step is detachment.

Where is faith found?
Trust in the Glory of God.

How is faith practiced?
Prayer and action removes all barriers.
Giving assistance to humanity.

Istijlál (Majesty), 17 Jalál (Glory) 176 B.E. - Thursday, April 25, 2019

The Fifth Day of Ridvan37

Enter the Garden of Paradise,
proclaim the Divine Springtime,
and the arrival of the Lord of Hosts.

Istiqlál (Independence), 18 Jalál (Glory) 176 B.E. - Friday, April 26, 2019

The Sixth Day of Ridvan38

Inhale the perfume
of divine unity from
the roses of paradise.

Facebook Status Update

I am awake.
I am just resting my eyes.
I will not admit
that I fell asleep
on my keyboard.

Footnotes
32  I posted this on Poet 999 - A Butterfly Emerges From Her Cocoon https://poet999.blogspot.com/2019/04/saturday-morning-on-sunrise-avenue.html.
33  I posted this in Poet 999 - A Butterfly Emerges from Her Cocoon https://poet999.blogspot.com/2019/04/the-first-day-of-ridvan.html.
34  I posted this in Poet 999 - A Butterfly Emerges from Her Cocoon https://poet999.blogspot.com/2019/04/the-second-day-of-ridvan.html.
35  I posted this on Poet 999 - A Butterfly Emerges From Her cocoon https://poet999.blogspot.com/2019/04/the-third-day-of-ridvan.html.
36  I posted this in Poet 999 - A Butterfly Emerges From Her Cocoon https://poet999.blogspot.com/2019/04/the-fourth-day-of-ridvan.html.
37  I posted this in Poet 999 - A butterfly Emerges from Her Cocoon https://poet999.blogspot.com/2019/04/the-fifth-day-of-ridvan.html.
38  I posted this in Poet 999 - A Butterfly Emerges From Her Cocoon https://poet999.blogspot.com/2019/04/the-sixth-day-of-ridvan.html.
April 13, 2019 at 2:57pm
April 13, 2019 at 2:57pm
#956500
Jalál (Glory), 5 Jalál (Glory) 156 B.E. - Saturday, Ajpril 13, 2019

Neighborhood Noises on Saturday39

Song of a buzz saw
Reverberates through the neighborhood
Apartment remodeling

Jamál (Beauty), 6 Jalál (Glory) 176 B.E. - Sunday, April 14, 2019

Miracles40

Miracles are everywhere
just open your eyes
and you will see them.

Miracles
are in the shadow
of a palm tree,
in the dance of plasma
circling a black hole,
or in the song of a nightingale.

Kamál (Perfection), 7 Jalál (Glory) 176 B.E. - Monday, April 15, 2019

Motivational Monday: A Poem41

I awake,
stretch,
open the prayer app
on my smartphone,
and intone a morning prayer.

The words,
"I have awakened in Thy shelter,"
reverberate through my mind
motivating me
to begin
a new poem,
that will proclaim
Baha'u'llah.

Fiḍál (Grace), 8 Jalál (Glory) 176 B.E. - Tuesday, April 16, 2019

Robins Sing42

Listen to the Robins sing,
In the garden in the spring,
Listen to this beautiful sound,
As it echoes all around.

‘Idál (Justice), 9 Jalál (Glory) 176 B.E. - Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Evening Noises43

Spring break
and shouts of happiness
echo through the neighborhood:
No school until next Monday.

Istijlál (Majesty), 10 Jalál (Glory) 176 B.E. - Thursday, April 18, 2019

Thankful Thursday: A Prayer44

Dear Lord,
I thank you for this day
and for revealing to me The Bab
and Baha'u'llah.

Footnotes
39  Posted on Poet 999 - A Butterfly Emerges from Her Cocoon https://poet999.blogspot.com/2019/04/neighborhood-noises-on-saturday.htmll.
40  I posted this in Poet 999 - A Butterfly Emerges From Her Cocoon https://poet999.blogspot.com/2019/04/miracles.html.
41  I posted this on Poet 999 - A Butterfly Emerges From Her Cocoon https://poet999.blogspot.com/2019/04/motivational-monday-poem.html.
42  I posted this in Poet 999 - A Butterfly Emerges From Her Cocoon https://poet999.blogspot.com/2019/04/robins-sing.html.
43  I posted this in Poet 999 - A Butterfly Emerges From Her Cocoon https://poet999.blogspot.com/2019/04/evening-noises.html.
44  I also post this in Poet 999 - A Butterfly Emerges from Her Cocoon https://poet999.blogspot.com/2019/04/thankful-thursday-prayer.html.
April 12, 2019 at 9:13am
April 12, 2019 at 9:13am
#956409
Istiqlál (Independence), 4 Jalál (Glory) 176 B.E. - Friday, April 12, 2019

Gratitude List for 4 Jalál

Today I am thankful...
         *BulletV* ...that my Bank of America checking account isn't overdrawn.
         *BulletV* ...for the cookies I have to go with my morning coffee.
         *BulletV* ...that I have 428 points in my Survey Junkie account.
April 11, 2019 at 11:34am
April 11, 2019 at 11:34am
#956339
Istijlál (Majesty), 3 Jalál (Glory) 176 B.E. - Thursday, April 11, 2019

Beautiful Spring45

Beautiful spring,
listen to the joyful sparrows sing
welcoming April wind and showers
proclaiming to all the their happiness.

Gratitude List for 3 Jalál

Today I am thankful...
         *BulletV* ...that I have $2.79 in my Vindale Research account.
         *BulletV* ...for the cookies I had to go with my coffee this morning.
         *BulletV* ...that I have 324 points in my Survey Junkie account.
         *BulletV* ...for the fresh brewed tea I had with my supper.
         *BulletV* ...that I have 626,309 GPs in my Gift Points account.
         *BulletV* ...that it was a pleasant day and we could keep the front door open.
         *BulletV* ...that the sparrows are singing.
         *BulletV* ...that my Bank of America Checking account is not overdrawn today.


Footnotes
45  I posted this on Poet 999 - A Butterfly Emerges From Her Cocoon https://poet999.blogspot.com/2019/04/beautiful-spring.html.
April 10, 2019 at 11:21am
April 10, 2019 at 11:21am
#956264
‘Idál (Justice), 2 Jalál (Glory) 176 B.E. - Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Windy Wednesday46

It's a windy Wednesday
here in Las Vegas,
with palm fronds waving
and clouds dancing across the sky.

Gratitude List for 2 Jalál

Today I am thankful ..
         *BulletV* ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn.
         *BulletV* ...for the banana I had to go with my coffee this morning.
         *BulletV* ...that I have 227 points in my Survey Junkie account.
         *BulletV* ...for the home brewed ice tea I had with my lunch.
         *BulletV* ...that I received feedback from this week's edition of the spiritual newsletter.
         *BulletV* ...that I have 621,959 GPs in my Gift Points account.

Footnotes
46  I posted this on Poet 999 - A Butterfly Emerges From Her Cocoon https://poet999.blogspot.com/2019/04/windy-wednesday.html.

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