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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" ![]() "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. |
Jalál (Glory), 5 ‘Ilm (Knowledge) 175 B.E. - Saturday, October 20, 2018 Pipes of Peace1 The pipes of peace echo across the face of Earth intoning supplications to the Glorious Lord. The pipes of peace ascend out of cool glens chanting praise to Baha'u'llah. The pipes of peace drown out the drums of war intoning prayers to the Prince of Peace. The pipes of peace echo up the mountain sides chanting supplications to the Lord of Hosts. Jamál (Beauty), 6 ‘Ilm (Knowledge) 175 B.E. - Sunday, October 21, 2018 "The wisdom of prayer is this: That it causeth a connection between the servant and the True One, because in that state man with all heart and soul turneth his face towards His Highness the Almighty, seeking His association and desiring His love and compassion." Bahá’í Writings Daily Gratitude2 Give thank every day intoning one of God's names: Make everyday Thanksgiving! Rise at dawn praising the Creator, with joy and gratitude: Make everyday Thanksgiving! Gratitude List for 6 ‘Ilm Today I am thankful... ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Footnotes |
‘Idál (Justice), 2 ‘Ilm (Knowledge) 175 B.E. - Wednesday, October 17, 2018 Gratitude List for 2 ‘Ilm Today I am thankful... ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Istijlál (Majesty), 3 ‘Ilm (Knowledge) 175 B.E. - Thursday, Octber 18, 2018 Gratitude List for 3 ‘Ilm Today I am thankful... ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Istiqlál (Independence), 4 ‘Ilm (Knowledge) 175 B.E. - Friday, October 19, 2018 Gratitude List for 4 ‘Ilm Today I am thankful... ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Jalál (Glory), 5 ‘Ilm (Knowledge) 175 B.E. - Saturday, October 20, 2018 Gratitude List for 4 ‘Ilm Today I am thankful... ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Fiḍál (Grace), 1 ‘Ilm (Knowledge) 175 B.E. - Tuesday, October 16, 2018 Feast of ‘Ilm "…that Essence of Essences, that Invisible of Invisibles, is sanctified above all human speculation, and never to be overtaken by the mind of man. Never shall that immemorial Reality lodge within the compass of a contingent being. His is another realm, and of that realm no understanding can be won. No access can be gained thereto; all entry is forbidden there. The utmost one can say is that Its existence can be proved, but the conditions of Its existence are unknown." Abdu’l-Baha3 Unknowable Divine Essence4 Unknowable, beyond this material dimension, the Almighty creator dwells. Gratitude List for 1 ‘Ilm Today I am thankful... ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Footnotes |
Kamál (Perfection), 19 Mashíyyat (Will) 175 B.E. - Monday, October 15, 2018 The Shadow of A Cat5 Gray ash stains white curtains migrates camel humped across the windowsill. Gratitude List for 19 Mashíyyat Today I am thankful... ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() This Week's Online Reading ![]() ![]() Footnotes |
Jamál, (Beauty), 18 Mashíyyat (Will) 175 B.E. - Sunday, Ocitober 14, 2018 Soul6 Each crystal facet bends light to the wave length of its own choosing reflecting green, blue, yellow, or red from the pure white light. Gratitude List 18 Mashíyyat Today I am thankful... ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Bright is the splendor of God's ancient faith, again in this age renewed. Hope was reborn when The Bab and Baha'u'llah appeared in the darkness of Persia. Footnotes |
Jalál (Glory), 17 Mashíyyat (Will) 175 B.E. - Saturday, October 13, 2018 [God] will never deal unjustly with any one, neither will He task a soul beyond its power. He, verily, is the Compassionate, the All-Merciful. I've went through a lot of test and difficulties in my life. I'm still going through them. I'm facing one test now that I've dealt with for years; it's a reoccurring issue that I have to overcome. It occurs when I'm worried about something, in this case financial. It hits me when I'm not concentrating on something else. Lately it's occurred of a morning, instead of at night when I'm going to sleep. It's not occurring at night because I say prayers or repeat prayers I've memorized. I think I will do this of a morning, as well. Once I start my do I can, usually, push the issue aside; although, it tends to comeback when I'm not focused on doing work either physically or mentally. Gratitude List For 17 Mashíyyat Today I am thankful... ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Selfish Letter10 I is a selfish letter, seeking its own pleasure. I stands alone upon the field of life. I walks alone across joyless plains. I is single and always alone. Footnotes |
Istiqlál (Independence), 16 Mashíyyat (Will) 175 B.E. - Friday, October 12, 2018 "Verily I say, the human soul is exalted above all egress and regress. It is still, and yet it soareth; it moveth, and yet it is still. It is, in itself, a testimony that beareth witness to the existence of a world that is contingent, as well as to the reality of a world that hath neither beginning nor end. Behold how the dream thou hast dreamed is, after the lapse of many years, re-enacted before thine eyes. Consider how strange is the mystery of the world that appeareth to thee in thy dream. Ponder in thine heart upon the unsearchable wisdom of God, and meditate on its manifold revelations…." Baha’u’llah11 How do I explain the dreams about the Return of Christ? My soul knew, without a doubt that Christ had returned in the Glory of the Father. The first dream occurred when I was living in Blackwell, Oklahoma, at my parents home on College Ave. In the dream, I looked out the window and up at the blues sky. There I saw a Christ descending with the clouds. The clouds around his face and were white and shining with light. He was concealed by the clouds, with only His eyes visible and looking down at the Earth. His eyes were beautiful. The second dream occurred, several years later, when I was living at my Grandparents house. In the dream I was asleep, and someone knocked at the side door. I got up and answered the door. It was a friend, who attended the Southern Baptist Mission with me. She said, "Christ is returning to the Mission on Sunday. Will you be there?" I said, "No He's not because He has already returned." I woke up. I didn't understand the significance of the dreams until I came to Las Vegas, and heard about Baha'u'llah. After reading some of His writings, I knew the Baha'u'llah, the Glory of God, was the one the dreams were about. I'm still learning about the Baha'i Faith and Baha'u'llah's writings. Gratitude List For 16 Mashíyyat Today I am thankful... ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Obedience to the Laws of God12 A comet moving around the Sun, I advance in the path of faith, as atom by atom the solar winds of test strip my coma of dust and gas transforming me in my obedience. Online Reading Goals ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Footnotes |
Istijlál (Majesty), 15 Mashíyyat (Will) 175 B.E. - Thursday, October 11, 2018 Are dreams random? Yes, some of them, but not all. I know that dream aren't random because I have had dreams that opened my spiritual and mental eyes to a new reality. At the time I had the dreams I didn't consciously realize what they were telling me; however, my spirit know and it prodded me to seek a new spiritual path. Nudged me to search for Christ Returned in the Glory of the Father. I found the answer to my search when I discovered Baha'u'llah, the Glory of God, the Lord of Hosts.
"As to truthful dreams: I beg of God that thy inner eye (insight) may be so opened that thou mayest thyself differentiate between truthful and untruthful dreams." Abdu’l-Baha13 Were the dreams about the Return of Christ truthful? Yes, because they boar fruit by leading me to Baha'u'lllah. I knew, the moment I read Baha'u'llah's writings that they came to Him through the Holy Spirit. Baha'u'llah proclaimed that there is only one Divine Creator, who at periodic intervals sends Divine Messengers or Manifestations that assist humanity to achieve its full spiritual and material potential. He proclaimed gender equality (though He did not used that particular phrase). He proclaimed the common foundation of all religions, which are revealed through Prophets sent by God. Gratitude List for 15 Mashíyyat Today I am thankful... ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Power Breakfast14 The sun turns the sky pink with the new born rays of light. Prayers chanted in the dawn break the fast of night. Footnotes |
‘Idál (Justice), 14 Mashíyyat (Will) 175 B.E. - Wednesday, October 10, 2018 "When man’s soul is rarified and cleansed, spiritual links are established, and from these bonds sensations felt by the heart are produced. The human heart resembleth a mirror. When this is purified human hearts are attuned and reflect one another, and thus spiritual emotions are generated. This is like the world of dreams when man is detached from things which are tangible and experienceth those of the spirit. What amazing laws operate, and what remarkable discoveries are made! And it may even be that detailed communications are registered…" Abdu’l-Baha15 I sleep, therefore I dream: varied spiritual themes. After contemplating the subject of dreams, I've come to the conclusion that I am the only one who can interpret my dreams. Some of my dreams have common symbols that have specific meanings, as stated on dream interpretation websites. However, sometime thos symbolic meanings on websites don't mean the same thing to me. Gratitude List For 14 Mashíyyat Today I am thankful... ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Footnotes |
Fiḍál (Grace), 13 Mashíyyat (Will) 175 B.E. - Tuesday, October 9, 2018 Today I began the series Turning to Your Dreams for Spiritual Guidanhce "The mind is circumscribed, the soul limitless. It is by the aid of such senses as those of sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch, that the mind comprehendeth, whereas the soul is free from all agencies. The soul as thou observest, whether it be in sleep or waking, is in motion and ever active. Possibly it may, whilst in a dream, unravel an intricate problem, incapable of solution in the waking state." Today, my plan is to read one article a day for the next five or six days. I may change my mind if I have some extra time during the day. I could also skip a day if I encounter some type of time restraint. I know that tomorrow, October 10, I will be out of the house most of the morning. When I get back I'll either compose or transcribe (sometimes I compose blog entries in my pen and paper journal at night) the blog responses to the prompt from "30-Day Blogging Challenge ON HIATUS" ![]() ![]() ![]() Gratitude for 13 Mashíyyat Today I am thankful... ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Sand and Stars18 Singing Sand Palm trees with their long beards hanging, Nod to the breeze of morning, Sand moving across the rising sun, Intones the hymns of dawn. Stars Shining The hues of darkness, Sparkle in the night, Generating rays of joy, That send atoms into flight. Footnotes |
Jamál (Beauty), 11 Mashíyyat (Will) 175 B.E. - Sunday, October 7, 2018 Consuming in hast miles of macadam, You transport me in belted security, From dusk to dawn and back again. Gulping gallons of volatile liquid, Your horses purr like feeding kittens, As your respiration poisons the air I breath. Without you I am confined to to a snails pace, Or to the queue waiting for a bus, Or dependent on the kindness of other human beings. Gratitude List for 11 Mashíyyat Today I am thankful... ![]() ![]() Kamál (Perfection), 12 Mashíyyat (Will) 175 B.E. - Monday, October 8, 2018 Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence20 Whispers echo across the dark parsecs that separate worlds encased in embryonic sacks of atmospheric gasses: eggs containing the viable embryos of interstellar civilizations. Gratitude List for 12 Mashíyyat Today I am thankful... ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Footnotes |
Jalál (Glory), 10 Mashíyyat (Will) 175 B.E. - Saturday, October 6, 2018 Summer Night Meditation21 On summer nights crickets sing ballads to the man in the moon. On summer nights the man in the moon is slowly transported across the ebony firmament. Olives ripen on summer nights their verdant green skins are transformed into rich ebony. Gratitude List for 10 Mashíyyat Today I am thankful... ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Footnotes |
Istiqlál (Independence), 9 Mashíyyat (Will) 175 B.E. - Friday, October 5, 2018 Prayer for Action22 Enkindle my soul Set it ablaze with Your Word Let me proclaim Your Cause. Gratitude List for 9 Mashíyyat Today I am thankful... ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Footnotes |
Istijlál Majesty), 8 Mashíyyat (Will) 175 B.E. - Thursday, October 4, 2018 Sweet Nothings23 Combing the palm trees straggly hair the wind whispers sweet nothing in their ears. Gratitude List for 8 Mashíyyat Today I am thankful for... ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Footnotes |
‘Idál (Justice), 7 Mashíyyat (Will) 175 B.E. - Wednesday, October 3, 2018 Poet's Meditation24 Deep in material tranquility yesterday reposes. Yesterday whispers its diurnal wisdom in the reverberation of rhythm. Deep in spiritual tranquility tomorrow reposes. Tomorrow whispers its eternal wisdom in the reverberation of rhyme. Gratitude List for 7 Mashíyyat Today I am thankful... ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Footnotes |
Fiḍál (Grace), 6 Mashíyyat (Will) 175 B.E. - Tuesday, October 2, 2018 The Poet's Job25 When Divine Revelation occurs and God's Manifestation appears the poet detects the change in the wind and inscribes it in the annals of history. Gratitude List for 6 Mashíyyat Today I am thankful... ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Footnotes |
Kamál (Perfection), 5 Mashíyyat (Will) 175 B.E. - Monday, October 1, 2018 "Surely the Creator loves His creatures. It would be impossible to find an artist who does not love his own production. Have you ever seen a man who did not love his own actions? Even though they be bad actions, he loves them. How ignorant, therefore, the thought that God, Who created man, educated and nurtured him, surrounded him with all blessings, made the sun and all phenomenal existence for his benefit, bestowed upon him tenderness and kindness and then did not love him." I began a new series on BahaiTeachings.org Gratitude List for 5 Mashíyyat Today I am thankful... ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Another series of articles I plan to read is A Musical Journey through The Seven Valleys with Paloma Piano ![]() ![]() ![]() Footnotes |
Jamál (Beauty), 4 Mashíyyat (Will) 175 B.E. - Sunday, September 30, 2018 I have approximately three things to finish up today, plus some reviews. This morning I composed an entry for "I Blog Poetry and Prose" Gratitude List for 4 Mashíyyat Today I am thankful... ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() On Monday, October 1, the unofficial "30-Day Blogging Challenge ON HIATUS" ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Facebook Status Update Since I am over 65, I can vote by mail. I filled out the request last night, and it will be drop in the postal box today. Anyone (in Nevada) over 65 or with a permanent disability can request a mail or absentee ballot from the election department. The request has to arrive at the election department by October 30. Good morning! Wishing you a beautiful Sunday. It is Sunday afternoon, I've finished two things on my to do today list. I have two more to finish before I can put the rest of the list away for another day. I figure four accomplishments on a Sunday is good. |
Jalál (Glory), 3 Mashíyyat (Will) 175 B.E. - Saturday, September 29, 2018 September draws to an end, and October will soon be here. I'm not participating in "October Novel Prep Challenge" Baha'u'llah Titles (These are all I can think of right now.) The Glory of God, The King of Glory, The Promised one of All Ages, The King of kings, The Lord of lords, The Lord of Hosts The Lord of the Ages, The Great Trumpet of God, The Divine Physician, The Sun of Truth, The Sun of Reality, The One that God made Manifest, The Pen of Glory, The Ancient Beauty, The Blessed Beauty, The Supreme Mediator, The Well-Beloved of all worlds The Everlasting Father. Despite all the difficulties and fear running rampant in the world today, this is a glorious age to live in. I just read the wonderful news article New Maori prayer book connects hearts with the divine ![]() Gratitude List for 3 Mashíyyat Today I an thankful... ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Facebook Status Update I'm writing more in my pen and paper journal at night. Last night I began one poem and finished another. The poem I finished is part of today's writing.com blog entry. The other is almost finished, I need to find an appropriate name. |
Istiqlál (Independence). 2 Mashíyyat (Will) 175 B.E. - Friday, September 28, 2018 Prime Number Meditation28 I am a Prime Number divisible only by God and myself. Gratitude List for 2 Mashíyyat Today I am thankful... ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Facebook Status Update I spent the entire morning at the Optical Center of my optometrist's office. I had my prescription filled for new eyeglasses. It didn't take very long to pick out and order the glasses, most of the time was spent waiting for the ADA bus. I used the time to write in my pen and paper journal. I wrote the first draft of today';s writing.com blog entry, and a poem. Footnotes |