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 |  Gratitude breaks the spell of Writers Block |
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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. |
Fiḍál (Grace ), 5 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness) 174 B.E. - Tuesday, March 6, 2018 Fifth Day of Fast "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." Poem Written on the Fifth Day of Fast As the world descends into chaos Justice and wisdom imply opinions based upon an individual's independent research into a subject. The aroma of the Holy Spirit ascends from the Pen of Glory, divine knowledge disclosed through Baha'u'llah, the Glory of God. As I meditate upon the Revelation, which the Almighty sent through His Pen, I realize that this present chaos is just the birth pangs of the Kingdom of God on Earth. Themes for Poems Written During the 19-Day Fast  Baha'i month names for the theme used in Poems: Splendor, Glory, Beauty, Will, and Knowledge. Baha'i month names for the themes to use in Poems: Grandeur, Light, Mercy, Words, Perfection, Names, Might, Power, Speech, Questions, Honor, Sovereignty, Dominion, and Loftiness. Week Day names for the themes to use in poems: Beauty, Perfection, Grace, Justice, Majesty, Independence, and Glory.It's only 12:08 P.M. here in Las Vegas, and it's been an interesting day. Normally, interesting days are stressful, but that hasn't been the case today. I've managed to handle everything that's come up with a minimum of worry (usually the cause of my stress). Tomorrow is going to be another interesting day, with one unfinished issue still unfinished. Since I don't control the outcome, I'm not sure how it will turn out. I just have to place everything in Baha'u'llah's hands and go on with the planes and projects I have in the works for Wednesday. Virtues to Write Poems About  Virtues Used: compassion and unity. Virtues to Use: assertiveness, caring, cleanliness, commitment, assertiveness, caring, cleanliness, commitment, confidence, consideration, cooperation, courage, courtesy, creativity, detachment, determination, diligence, enthusiasm, excellence, flexibility, forgiveness, friendliness, generosity, gentleness, helpfulness, honesty, honor, humility, idealism, integrity, joyfulness, justice, kindness, love, loyalty, moderation, modesty, orderliness, patience, peacefulness, perseverance, purposefulness, reliability, respect, responsibility, self-discipline, service, tact, thankfulness, tolerance, trust, trustworthiness, truthfulness, understanding, and unity.confidence, consideration, cooperation, courage, courtesy, creativity, detachment, determination, diligence, enthusiasm, excellence, flexibility, forgiveness, friendliness, generosity, gentleness, helpfulness, honesty, honor, humility, idealism, integrity, joyfulness, justice, kindness, love, loyalty, moderation, modesty, orderliness, patience, peacefulness, perseverance, purposefulness, reliability, respect, responsibility, self-discipline, service, tact, thankfulness, tolerance, trust, trustworthiness, truthfulness, and understanding.Footnotes |
Kamál (Perfection ), 4 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness) 174 B.E. - Monday, March 5, 2018 Fourth Day of Fast "The Fast is essentially a period of meditation and prayer, of spiritual recuperation, during which the believer must strive to make the necessary readjustments in his inner life, and to refresh and reinvigorate the spiritual forces latent in his soul." Every day, since March 1, I've checked the website BahaiTeachings.org5, and each day, since March 2, there were articles about the fast. One of this morning's articles is part of a series written by David Langness titled "Fasting with the Baha'is"6. This article attracted me because it discussed relationship between meditation, fasting, transcendence, and transformation. Before becoming a Baha'i (in the twentieth century), I encountered the spiritual experience of transcendence a few time. Most often, those times were associated with reading the King James Version of the Christian bible. When I encountered the Baha'i Faith, I again experienced transcendence when reading the scriptures reveal by Baha'u'llah. That was one of the reasons I declared my faith in Baha'u'llah, the other reason concerned two dream I had about Christ Returning (I'll go into the dreams in a later entry). Meditation has become especially important to me, because I'm no longer required to fast. A Baha'i, unless physically or medically unable to Fast, is required to fast between the ages of 15 (which according to the scriptures of Baha'u'llah is the age of maturity) and 70 years old. I'm over 70, so I'm no longer required to fast, but that doesn't mean I can't pray and meditate after saying one of the prayer revealed for the Fast. This year, I'm focusing on meditation instead of giving up coffee (I've did this ever since I was diagnosed with an illness that prevented me from fasting). Meditation is much better because it focuses on speaking with my own spirit, while prayer focuses on speaking with God. Review, at least, 4 items each day. Submit to "I Write in 2018" for Week 10. Read items on this month's reading list. Submit article/poem/essay/story to "Invalid Item" for Week 31. Sort item in laundry basket under computer desk. Post a, at least, 3 days to offsite blog. Work on article/essay for "Project Write World" . Participate in each blogging groups, at least, 3 times this week.Poem Written on the Fourth Day of Fast. I am a pebble Glorifying the Beauty Of the All-Knowing I am an atom Energized by the Charm of the All-Merciful Themes used so far are Splendor, Glory, Beauty, and Will. Theme waiting to be used are Grandeur, Light, Mercy, Words, Perfection, Names, Might, Knowledge, Power, Speech, Questions, Honor, Sovereignty, Dominion, and Loftiness. Footnotes |
Jamál (Beauty), 3 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness) 174 B.E. - Sunday, March 4, 2018 Third Day of Fast "Fasting is a symbol. Fasting signifies abstinence from lust. Physical fasting is a symbol of that abstinence, and is a reminder; that is, just as a person abstains from physical appetites, he is to abstain from self-appetites and self-desires. But mere abstention from food has no effect on the spirit. It is only a symbol, a reminder. Otherwise it is of no importance. Fasting for this purpose does not mean entire abstinence from food. The golden rule as to food is, do not take too much or too little. Moderation is necessary." On the Day of Beauty, I contemplate the symbol of fasting. Fasting is a metaphor for abstinence from things that are harmful to both soul and body. During the nineteen-day fast, the focus is on the spiritual side of fasting, such as reading the fasting prayers and meditating on the prayers or the sacred writings. Prayer and read the sacred writings is daily practice, whether fasting or not. However, during fast I like to focus on the prayers for fasting. By the end of ‘Alá’, the month of fasting, I intend to have said each one of the twelve fast prayer, on my smartphone app, at least once. My second goal for ‘Alá’ is to write, at least, one poem each day using the divine attributes--Splendor, Glory, Beauty, Grandeur, Light, Mercy, Words, Perfection, Names, Might, Will, Knowledge, Power, Speech, Questions, Honor, Sovereignty, Dominion, and Loftiness--as the theme. On "First Day of the 19-Day Fast" I wrote a poem using the theme of splendor. On "Second Day of Fast" with the theme of glory. The spiritual theme I am writing about today is will.Reading List for ‘Alá’ That I have completed http://bahaiteachings.org/how-why-bahais-pray http://bahaiteachings.org/why-do-bahais-fast-every-year http://bahaiteachings.org/fasting-reading-sacred-writings https://lifehacker.com/5591576/a-guide-to-meditation-for-the-rest-of-usPoem Written on the Third Day of Fast: Expressions of the Will of God Prayer is an expression of the will of the Almighty, Love is an expression of Divine will, The oneness of humankind is an expression of the will of God, The sacred scriptures are expressions of the Holy Spirit, The Holy Spirit is an expression of the the primal will of the All-Knowing Creator, All the Manifestations of God are expressions of the purpose of the Almighty. Footnotes |
Jalál {Glory), 2 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness) 174 B.E. - Saturday, March 3, 2018 Second Day of Fast "Verily, I say, fasting is the supreme remedy and the most great healing for the disease of self and passion." Baha’u’llah910 One of the benefits of fasting is learning detachment form material things. I had a lesson in detachment this morning. I have recently (within the past year or more) become attached to my smartphone. As a result, sometimes I hold in in my hand when I go to sleep. Now if I slept on a bed this wouldn't be a problem, but I sleep in a recliner. This means that when I fall asleep, the phone falls onto the recliner and will go into the loose areas. I looked for it, but couldn't find it in the recliner (it should have been easy to find). It turns out that my roommate borrowed the phone to play a game. I called my smartphone number from the house phone, but I couldn't hear the my smartphone ring because it was under her pillow. I decided since I couldn't find it, I'd call my provider when their customer care center opened to see if they could send me another phone. I have my phone, so now I don't have to call the customer service number. I'm glad that my house mate could use it while she's waiting for her new smartphone to come through the mail. Reading List for ‘Alá’ or However Long it Takes Me to Finish A Guide to Meditation for the Rest of Us https://lifehacker.com/5591576/a-guide-to-meditation-for-the-rest-of-us Informative or news article about Sri Lanka for "Invalid Item" the links are in "Invalid Item" . Back through the Wardrobe: The Power of Spiritual Allegory http://bahaiteachings.org/back-through-the-wardrobe-the-power-of-spiritual-alleg... Why You Must Develop Your Artistic Talents http://bahaiteachings.org/why-you-must-develop-your-artistic-talents News articles that catch my interest. http://bahaiteachings.org/how-why-bahais-pray http://bahaiteachings.org/why-do-bahais-fast-every-year http://bahaiteachings.org/great-wisdom-prayer-fasting http://bahaiteachings.org/fasting-reading-sacred-writings http://bahaiteachings.org/neuroscience-fasting http://bahaiteachings.org/drinking-energy-from-happiness-during-the-bahai-fast http://bahaiteachings.org/fasting-and-meditating-catching-fire-from-the-love-of-... http://bahaiteachings.org/how-to-fast-like-a-bahai http://bahaiteachings.org/elevating-your-spiritual-station-with-fasting http://bahaiteachings.org/why-bahais-fast http://bahaiteachings.org/fasting-creativity-and-the-infinite http://bahaiteachings.org/fasting-spring-cleaning-for-the-soul http://bahaiteachings.org/the-benefits-of-intermittent-fasting http://bahaiteachings.org/the-bahai-fast-slowly http://bahaiteachings.org/series/the-death-of-tahirih-the-womens-rights-martyr http://bahaiteachings.org/series/the-purpose-of-physical-realityYesterday, I wrote a poem about splendor, and posted it in "First Day of the 19-Day Fast" . This leaves me with only 18 spiritual attributes to write poems about. Divine attributes: Splendor, Glory, Beauty, Grandeur, Light, Mercy, Words, Perfection, Names, Might, Will, Knowledge, Power, Speech, Questions, Honor, Sovereignty, Dominion, and Loftiness.Poem Written on the Second Day of Fast Word by word I sip the wine of eternal life from the chalice of God's Glory. Scriptures, endowed with the Holy Spirit's majesty, flowed through His reed pen, proclaiming peace, love, and unity to the nations of humanity. Footnotes |
Istiqlál (Independence), 1 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness) 174 B.E. - Friday, March 2, 2018 First Day of the Fast "Fasting is the cause of awakening man. The heart becomes tender and the spirituality of man increases. This is produced by the fact that man’s thoughts will be confined to the commemoration of God, and through this awakening and stimulation surely ideal advancements follow." At 71, I am no longer required to abstain from physical nourishment between sunrise and sunset. That does not mean I am no longer required to say the prayers revealed for the 19-day Fast, or to detach myself from material things that impede my spiritual development. Because of health issues and taking medication, I could not participate in the fast for a few years before I turned 70. When one does not fast, it is a little more difficult to detach from material impediments, but it is not impossible. When I read the article by Kathryn Janene Adams, I was reminded that you cannot give up. If you encounter a setback one day, you can start over again the next day. There are more articles about fasting on BahaiTeachings.org13, which I want to read during this period of fasting. I have eighteen more days to go, so I will see how I do with detachment and reading those article. Another thing I want to do during ‘Alá’, is write poems about these spiritual attributes, which are also the names of the months of the Baha'i year: Splendor, Glory, Beauty, Grandeur, Light, Mercy, Words, Perfection, Names, Might, Will, Knowledge, Power, Speech, Questions, Honor, Sovereignty, Dominion, and Loftiness. Poem Written on the First Day of Fast Fragrance of Splendor, on this the First day of the Fast, I call out to You intoning Your revealed Word. Sentence by sentence I inhale the aroma of eternal life from the roses of your glory, which grow in the Garden of Paradise. The light of Your new day awakens my soul to the excellence of Your glorious covenant. Post to "I Write in 2018" for Week 9. Submitted "Silent Compassion" to "Stormy's poetry newsletter & contest" . Review, at least, 4 items each day from Read & Review. Respond each day to "Invalid Item" prompt. Complete "Invalid Item" for February.On Monday, February 26, I established seven goals for this week, and posted them in "Melting Snow" "Motivational Monday: Time to Get Motivated" . I completed four of them, and still have three to complete or work on. Seven goals maybe too many for five days, however, I am going to continue making seven goals each Monday until the end of March. On April 1, I will decide if I need to post fewer goals on "Weekly Goals" .Still working on Post essay or poem to "Invalid Item" for Week 30. Check, at least, one thing off my procrastination list each day. Post three or four times to my offsite blog this week.I accomplished only one thing on "Things to Read this week". I still have several items on that list to read, plus I am adding items that I want to read. Therefore, I am changing the reading list title from "Things to Read this week" to "Things I want to read this Month", which means I have to read, at least, one article a day to finish the list. I should remove "News articles that catch my interest", since most of the news article only raise my blood pressure. Instead of removing it, I will be a bit more careful after reading the headline. If the headline irritates me, I will not read it because the article will raise my blood pressure. Things to Read this week. A Guide to Meditation for the Rest of Us https://lifehacker.com/5591576/a-guide-to-meditation-for-the-rest-of-us The Ministry of Abdu’l-Baha Begins http://bahaiteachings.org/ministry-abdul-baha-begins Informative or news article about Sri Lanka for "Invalid Item" the links are in "Invalid Item" . A Woman Sacrifices Her Life for Equality http://bahaiteachings.org/woman-sacrifices-life-equality Back through the Wardrobe: The Power of Spiritual Allegory http://bahaiteachings.org/back-through-the-wardrobe-the-power-of-spiritual-alleg... Why You Must Develop Your Artistic Talents http://bahaiteachings.org/why-you-must-develop-your-artistic-talents News articles that catch my interest.Footnotes |
Istijlál (Majesty), 5 Ayyám-i-Há (The Days of Há) 174 B.E. - Thursday, March 1, 2018 "Praise be to God! —that the Blessed Perfection hath freed the necks from the bonds and fetters and released all from racial attachments by proclaiming, “Ye are all the fruits of one tree and the leaves of one branch.” Be ye kind to the human world, and be ye compassionate to the race of man, deal with the strangers as you deal with the friends, be ye gentle toward the outsiders as you are toward the beloved ones…" On the First Thankful Thursday in March 2018 I am grateful... 1. ...for the blog "Counsels and Explanations by 'Abdu'l-Baha -- daily readings"16 because the quotes from the writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha give me something to meditation on and inspiration for writing poems. 2. ...that Baha'u'llah, the Blessed Perfection, emphasized the unity of the human race by stating we were the fruits and leaves of the same tree. This statement inspires me to write poetry, and gives me hope that humanity will finally become citizens of Earth. 3. ...for butterflies because each time I see one, I am reminded that my soul is eternal. At the moment of my physical death my soul will be freed from it chrysalis and ascend into the Garden of Paradise. 4. ...that the ‘Alá’(Loftiness), the month of the fast, begins at sunset this evening. Even though, I am too old to fast I enjoy saying the prayer revealed for the Fast. I want to write a poem each day of ‘Alá’ about one of the following divine attributes: Splendor, Glory, Beauty, Grandeur, Light, Mercy, Words, Perfection, Names, Might, Will, Knowledge, Power, Speech, Questions, Honor, Sovereignty, Dominion, and Loftiness. 5. ...for the merit badge sent to me by elusive4lyn sent me. ![Merit Badge in Appreciation
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Thank you for supporting 30 Days 50/50 Fundraiser, you're kindness and generosity is deeply appreciated. *^*Heart*^* Norb and Lyn](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/general-Appreciation-1985.gif) 6. ...that I was able to write "Silent Compassion" yesterday, because now I only have 51 of the following 52 virtues to write a poem about: assertiveness, caring, cleanliness, commitment, compassion, confidence, consideration, cooperation, courage, courtesy, creativity, detachment, determination, diligence, enthusiasm, excellence, flexibility, forgiveness, friendliness, generosity, gentleness, helpfulness, honesty, honor, humility, idealism, integrity, joyfulness, justice, kindness, love, loyalty, moderation, modesty, orderliness, patience, peacefulness, perseverance, purposefulness, reliability, respect, responsibility, self-discipline, service, tact, thankfulness, tolerance, trust, trustworthiness, truthfulness, understanding, and unity.7. ...for the telephone call from my sister today. We talked a bit about how she was doing, her cat (who doesn't like her using the phone), and the weather. Thinking about the phone call, I realize that I miss Faye, and, if it were possible, have a better relationship with her. However, I don't plan on moving to Searchlight because it's too difficult to get healthcare there. 8. ...that I have 2,462,470 GPs in my Gift Points account. I need 1,737,030 GPs to purchase as 12-month premium plus membership. My present membership is up on May 5, 2018, if I get the GPs before May, I might go ahead and extend my membership. I'll give it some serious thought over the next couple of months. 9. ...for the inspiration of the series God Speaks Again17 by Kenneth E. Bower, because it gives me ideas for poems, and it helps me to understand more about my chosen religion or spiritual path. 10. ...that I completed the February "Invalid Item" .Footnotes |
Fiḍál (Grace), 3 Ayyám-i-Há (The Days of Há) 174 B.E. - Tuesday, February 27, 2018 I finished the post in "Welcome to My Life" ‘Idál (Justice ), 4 Ayyám-i-Há (The Days of Há) 174 B.E. - Wednesday, February 28, 2018 I began this entry yesterday, and decided to combine the two entries rather than making another one. I finished some my February 26-March 2 goals yesterday. March is going to be an inspiring and busy month. I have a doctor's appointment on Monday, March 5, to have my toenail cut; a task I can no longer do myself. March 2 is the first day of ‘Alá’ (Loftiness), which is the month of the Fast. Since I'm over 70, I don't have to fast between sunup and sundown. I will say the prayers revealed for the Fast. The 19-day fast ends at sunset on March 20. To Do List for March Review "Dear Me" within the first 9 Days of March. Enter "Stormy's poetry newsletter & contest" before March 23 deadline. Prompt Words: fears, transparent, heartache, passing, compassion, unspoken, wounds, time. Use the following divine attributes as themes for poems. Attributes of God from the Baha'i calender: (1) Months - Splendor, Glory, Beauty, Grandeur, Light, Mercy, Words, Perfection, Names, Might, Will, Knowledge, Power, Speech, Questions, Honor, Sovereignty, Dominion, and Loftiness. (2) Week Days - Beauty, Perfection, Grace, Justice, Majesty, Independence, and Glory. Participate in "Project Write World" . Participate in "Invalid Item" . Participate in "I Write in 2018" . Review. Participate in "Invalid Item" .Right now, the above list is the only specifics I have for March. Anything else will be added as it appears, and after I have participated in the contest/forums in the above list. Sometime in the coming year, 175 B.E., I want to use the 52 Virtues18, in the following list as themes for poems. Virtues: assertiveness, caring, cleanliness, commitment, compassion, confidence, consideration, cooperation, courage, courtesy, creativity, detachment, determination, diligence, enthusiasm, excellence, flexibility, forgiveness, friendliness, generosity, gentleness, helpfulness, honesty, honor, humility, idealism, integrity, joyfulness, justice, kindness, love, loyalty, moderation, modesty, orderliness, patience, peacefulness, perseverance, purposefulness, reliability, respect, responsibility, self-discipline, service, tact, thankfulness, tolerance, trust, trustworthiness, truthfulness, understanding, and unity. Footnotes |
Jamál (Beauty), 1 Ayyám-i-Há (The Days of Há) 174 B.E. - Sunday, February 25, 2018 "…Splendor, Glory, Beauty, Grandeur, Light, Mercy, Words, Perfection, Names, Might, Will, Knowledge, Power, Speech, Questions, Honor, Sovereignty, Dominion, and Loftiness. Meditating upon these sublime attributes, man is enabled to gaze beyond the curve of time, wherein the swing and change of planetary movements exists, to the eternal qualities that stabilize the soul. As the seasons return with their quaternary beauty, as the seed sacrifices to the mystery of the harvest, we see reflected in the mirror of the physical world the spiritual spring-time when the Word of God is planted in the heart of man by the coming of God’s Messengers." The months of the Baha'i calender are named after the attributes of God. In addition, the days of the week are also called my divine attributes: Beauty, Perfection, Grace, Justice, Majesty, Independence, and Glory. According to the Gregorian calender today is Sunday, while according to the Baha'i calendar it is Beauty. Unlike the Gregorian calender, which has days and months named after pagan deities, the Baha'i calender has days and months named after the attribute of Almighty Creator of the Universe. Today is Sunday, it is the day of Beauty, beginning of a new week. What do I have to do this week? I have to finish my entries in "Welcome to My Life" for "Invalid Item" . Say the Ayyám-i-Há prayer every day. Make an entry in "I Write in 2018" . Write an essay or poem for "Invalid Item" . Post goals for February 26-March 2 at "Weekly Goals" . Other things I haven't yet decided on, but which I'll have to determine by the end of the day. I have two poems to finish, however, I'm not sure whether I will finish them this week or in the up coming month.Last week I had a problem coming up with a poem for a contest. I finally wrote the poem, but I'm not sure how satisfied I am with the one I wrote. The poem is funny, or at least I think it's funny. Anyway I'm listing some themes for poem in case I encounter the same problem in the upcoming week or months. Those themes concern the attributes of God and the 52 virtues listed on 52 Virtues21. Theme for Poems Attributes of God from the Baha'i calender: (1) Months - Splendor, Glory, Beauty, Grandeur, Light, Mercy, Words, Perfection, Names, Might, Will, Knowledge, Power, Speech, Questions, Honor, Sovereignty, Dominion, and Loftiness. (2) Week Days - Beauty, Perfection, Grace, Justice, Majesty, Independence, and Glory. Virtues: assertiveness, caring, cleanliness, commitment, compassion, confidence, consideration, cooperation, courage, courtesy, creativity, detachment, determination, diligence, enthusiasm, excellence, flexibility, forgiveness, friendliness, generosity, gentleness, helpfulness, honesty, honor, humility, idealism, integrity, joyfulness, justice, kindness, love, loyalty, moderation, modesty, orderliness, patience, peacefulness, perseverance, purposefulness, reliability, respect, responsibility, self-discipline, service, tact, thankfulness, tolerance, trust, trustworthiness, truthfulness, understanding, and unity. Premium Plus Membership expires 5/15/18  Have 2,395,640 GPs22 - 6-month - Premium Plus Upgrade = 2,349,500 = Over 46,140 GPs what I need. 12-month Premium Plus Upgrade = 4,199,500 - Have 2,395,640 GPs = Under 1,803,860 what I need.Footnotes |
Istijlál (Majesty), 17 Mulk (Dominion) 174 B.E. - Thursday, February 22, 2018 Gratitude is an attitude. The attitude of gratitude expresses itself in adversity by raising its praise to the Almighty. On the Last Thankful Thursday in February 2018. I am thankful that I accomplished the following goals this week: Write and submit poem in response to "Invalid Item" . Enter a contest for "I Write in 2018" and review person submitted before me. Write essay/poem/short story for "Invalid Item" about Pakistan. Review, at least, 4 items per day.I am grateful that I caught up on the following items this week: Finishing "Welcome to My Life" "Personal Mental Health Diagnosis by Public Figure" Cleaning out wdc inbox. |
‘Idál (Justice), 16 Mulk (Dominion) 174 B.E. - Wednesday, February 21, 2018 "The other mode of the spirit’s influence and action is without these bodily instruments and organs. For example, in the state of sleep, it sees without eyes, it hears without ears, it speaks without a tongue, it runs without feet—in brief, all these powers are exerted without the mediation of instruments and organs. How often it happens that the spirit has a dream in the realm of sleep whose purport comes to be exactly materialized two years hence! Likewise, how often it happens that in the world of dreams the spirit solves a problem that it could not solve in the realm of wakefulness. Awake, the eye sees only a short distance, but in the realm of dreams one who is in the East may see the West. Awake, he sees only the present; in sleep he beholds the future. Awake, by the fastest means he travels at most seventy miles in an hour; in sleep he traverses East and West in the blink of an eye. For the spirit has two modes of travel: without means, or spiritual travel, and with means, or material travel—as birds that fly, or as being carried in a vehicle." ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá23 For the past couple of days (except last night), I have read the Long Healing Prayer before going to sleep. I've experienced pleasant and spiritual dreams, but last night I didn't say the prayer. Instead, I went to sleep because I thought I was too sleepy to say the prayer. I did go to bed later than normal, however, I'm not sure that I was any sleepier before turning out the light. Since this prayer is on a smartphone app, I don't have to have a light or my prayer book to say the prayer. I didn't have spiritual or pleasant dreams last night, I'm not sure that I dreamed at all. So from now on, I read the Long Healing Prayer before going to sleep. I submitted the following comment to "Horror/Scary Newsletter (February 21, 2018)" : "I like the metaphor of the haunted house, because that is how depression feels. Thank you for emphasizing that depression can be treated."Before I do any more reviews or writing, I need to look at what I've accomplished so far this week. I've accomplished a lot, but I still have things to do before I can post a goals update to "Weekly Goals" . I've managed to keep up with "Invalid Item" , but today I found out I need to recheck the spelling of a words, especially those I think I know how to spell. I have the item on Pakistan started for "Invalid Item" , and I need to finish it either later today or on Thursday. I want to post that as my entry in "I Write in 2018" . Most everything else concerns the stuff I've been putting off.I submitted the following comment to "Spiritual Newsletter (February 21, 2018)" : Dreams are one proof of the immortality of the soul, because in them our souls can detect and comprehend things we can't understand in our waking moments. In dreams we can solve problems that we've been unable to deal with during our waking moments. I've found that my best and most colorful dreams occur after I have said prayer and meditated before falling asleep.I submitted the following comment to "Poetry Newsletter (February 21, 2018)" : "Thank you for featuring "Construct Cup Poems" in this week's newsletter."Footnotes |
Kamál (Perfection), 14 Mulk (Dominion) 174 B.E. - Monday, February 19, 2018 Monday weariness time to find motivation in the Word of God. "Every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God is endowed with such potency as can instill new life into every human frame, if ye be of them that comprehend this truth. All the wondrous works ye behold in this world have been manifested through the operation of His supreme and most exalted Will, His wondrous and inflexible Purpose. Through the mere revelation of the word “Fashioner,” issuing forth from His lips and proclaiming His attribute to mankind, such power is released as can generate, through successive ages, all the manifold arts which the hands of man can produce. This, verily, is a certain truth. No sooner is this resplendent word uttered, than its animating energies, stirring within all created things, give birth to the means and instruments whereby such arts can be produced and perfected. All the wondrous achievements ye now witness are the direct consequences of the Revelation of this Name. In the days to come, ye will, verily, behold things of which ye have never heard before. Thus hath it been decreed in the Tablets of God, and none can comprehend it except them whose sight is sharp." Baha’u’llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah24 I'm smiling again. Reading a quote or prayer will make me smile, and give me something to think about. I woke up in a good mood this morning, I wasn't depressed (weary feeling). It was only after I ate that this depression's weariness slipped up on me. I had instant oatmeal for breakfast with a side of canned fruit. Perhaps it was something I ate that caused me to be a little down. For the rest of the week, I'll have to look at what I eat and how it makes me feel. Write and submit poem in response to "Invalid Item" . Enter a contest for "I Write in 2018" and review person submitted before me. Write essay/poem/short story for "Invalid Item" about Pakistan. Review, at least, 4 items per day. Do,at least, one thing each day I've been putting off.This morning I established and posted my goals for February 19-23, listed the stuff I've been putting off, and research links for the Pakistan essay/story/poem. I still have to make an entry in "Melting Snow" , the poem for "Invalid Item" , and "The Daily Poem" for today. Last night I finished and submitted the fantasy newsletter.Seven things I've been putting off. Rewriting "Scavengers" "Chapter 1: Home Coming" Finishing "Welcome to My Life" "Personal Mental Health Diagnosis by Public Figure" Entries in offsite blog https://poet999.blogspot.com/ Entry 1 Entry 2 Entry 3 Cleaning off computer desk. Cleaning out wdc inbox. Cleaning out cox.net inbox. Cleaning out g-mail.com inbox.I cleaned out my wdc inbox, but I'm going to have to clean it out more than once a week. I managed to review 5 items today. Now I have to finish a poem for "Invalid Item" for today. After that I have to work on the reviews for the package I of the "Simply Positive Fundraiser" . Once that is finished, I can focus on something else such as this week's topic for "Invalid Item" .Things I have to complete that slipped my mine. Package 15: 4 poetry reviews with 10k awardicon going to Neva's favorite poem in the "Simply Positive Fundraiser" for February 1st- February 14th, 2018. Goes to 4provinces.Footnotes |
Istijlál (Majesty), 10 Mulk (Dominion) 174 B.E. - Thursday, February 15, 2018 Halfway Through Dominion 174 B.E. It is halfway through Dominion 174 B.E. Nine days have passed since the Feast of Mulk, the Feast of Dominion, and nine days remain until the beginning of Ayyám-i-Há, The Days of Há. Ayyám-i-Há, the intercalary days that occur just before ‘Alá’, the month of Fasting. ‘Alá’, the month of Loftiness, when those who are physically able fast between sunrise and sunset. I am 71 years old, so even if I was physically able, I am exempt from the nineteen-day Fast. However, I am not exempt from saying the prayer Baha'u'llah revealed for the Fast. Today I am thankful for the special prayers revealed by Baha'u'llah for Ayyám-i-Há and the Fast. Today is Istijlál, the day of Majesty. In the Baha'i, or the Badi, there is no one day a week exclusively dedicated to thanksgiving, gratitude, or praise. The prayers for praise and gratitude, revealed by the Bab and Baha'u'llah, can be said any day of the week. In fact, the Bab, Bah'u'llah, and 'Abdu'l-Baha25 encouraged us to proclaim are praise and gratitude to the Almighty every day. We are encouraged to be thankful all the time, and, to be, especially thankful in times of tests or adversity. Today I am thankful for the scriptures revealed by Baha'u'llah because they encourage thanksgiving and praise. Today I am thankful that I have accomplished the following goals. "Invalid Item" Respond to February prompts 11-17. "Invalid Item" Write a response everyday to the prompt. So far, have responded every day. Review 3 or 4 items each day. So far, have reviewed every day.I am thankful that I have 2,238,208 GPs in my Gift Points account. I need only 111,292 GPs to purchase a 6-month or 1,961,292 GPs to purchase a 12-month Premium Plus member ship. Today I am thankful that "Morning Meditation" was featured in "Poetry Newsletter (February 14, 2018)" .Today I am thankful for the fresh brewed hot coffee I had for breakfast, and the chocolate kiss I will have before I go to bed. Footnotes |
‘Idál (Justice), 9 Mulk (Dominion) 174 B.E. - Wednesday, February 14, 2018 "Know thou of a certainty that Love is the secret of God’s holy Dispensation, the manifestation of the All-Merciful, the fountain of spiritual outpourings. Love is heaven’s kindly light, the Holy Spirit’s eternal breath that vivifieth the human soul. Love is the cause of God’s revelation unto man, the vital bond inherent, in accordance with the divine creation, in the realities of things. Love is the one means that ensureth true felicity both in this world and the next. Love is the light that guideth in darkness, the living link that uniteth God with man, that assureth the progress of every illumined soul. Love is the most great law that ruleth this mighty and heavenly cycle, the unique power that bindeth together the divers elements of this material world, the supreme magnetic force that directeth the movements of the spheres in the celestial realms. Love revealeth with unfailing and limitless power the mysteries latent in the universe. Love is the spirit of life unto the adorned body of mankind, the establisher of true civilization in this mortal world, and the shedder of imperishable glory upon every high-aiming race and nation." ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá26 Today is Valentine's Day, the day that many people celebrate one or two forms of love, physical love and, maybe, family love. Despite the fact that Valentine's Day was originally celebrated as a holy day for Saint Valentine, very few people think about divine love or the love of God. This is strange, because without the love of the Almighty noting would exists. Every atom of the universe reflects the love of God, and owes its existence to God. When the All-Bountiful Creator spoke BE at the beginning, everything was brought into existence. It was because of their love for God that both Christ and the Bab were executed. It was because of His love for the Almighty that Baha'u'llah was bound by chains and then exiled from His native land. It was because of his love for God through Christ that St. Valentine was beheaded on February 14, 278. It was because of her love for God through the Bab that Táhirih was strangled in September of 1852. It is because of their love for God through Baha'u'llah that the Baha'is in Iran refuse to recant their faith in spite of imprisonment and death threats. It is because of the love of God for His creation that life exists on Earth and in the rest of the universe. Footnotes |
Kamál {Perfection), 7 Mulk (Dominion) 174 B.E. - Monday, February 12, 2018 This week got off to a good start. Yesterday, I finished the essay for "Invalid Item" Post to "Weekly Goals" for Week of February 12-16 "Invalid Item" Week 28 write an essay, story, or poem for "I Write in 2018" Week 7, February 12-18, submit and entry and review. "Invalid Item" Write a response everyday to the prompt. "Invalid Item" Respond to February prompts 11-17. Review 3 or 4 items each day. |
Jamál Beauty), 6 Mulk (Dominion) 174 B.E. - Sunday, February 11, 2018 Prayer of Gratitude for Jamál the Day of Beauty Thank you All-Bountiful Creator It is Jamal, the Day of Beauty, on the Baha'i calendar. It is Sunday on the Gregorian, and the first day of a new week. Last week was interesting, I didn't get as much accomplished as I would have like; that was my own fault for wasting time. I got most of the writing finished that I planned. There were only two exceptions: (1) the essay for "Invalid Item" and editing chapters in "Scavengers" . As a results, I'm a bit depressed, but prayers and writing will take care of that.Influence of the Faith on arts "While it is quite true that individual artists such as Mark Tobey and others have undoubtedly been inspired and influenced by their love for the Revelation of Bahá'u'lláh, it is far too early in the Bahá'í Dispensation to talk about the influence of the Faith on the arts in general. Indeed the beloved Guardian himself has pointed out that there is, as yet, no such thing as Bahá'í art although there is no doubt from statements in the writings that a wonderful efflorescence of new and beautiful arts may be anticipated in the future." How has my faith in Baha'u'llah influenced my art? As one can see, from the poem at the beginning of this entry, my acceptance of Baha'u'llah, and His forerunner The Bab, has had some influence on my poetry. Precisely how much influence isn't something I can quantify. I know that I want to reflect the concepts proclaimed by Baha'u'llah in my art, but sometimes I fail. I'm not sure precisely why I fail, but I think it has something to do with the struggle between my soul and my ego. I know that my success is influenced by prayer, meditation, reading the sacred scriptures, and attempting (as much as possible) to obey the laws instituted by Baha'u'llah. Footnotes |
Istiqlál (Independence), 4 Mulk (Dominion) 174 B.E. - Friday, February 9, 32018 "Serve in the olive garden of God, that God may help thee by those confirmations by which intellects are astounded and the perceptions are cleared." ‘Abdu’l-Baha, Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, vol. 129 In the Garden In the Garden of Paradise, I started the above poem this morning, and than went on to do other writing, and non-writing activities. I'm not sure if the poem is finished, but I can't think of anything else to add right now. Therefore, I will leave it for the time being, and, may or may not, get back to it later. Today, I wasted some time, but I also did some writing. I could have gotten a lot more writing accomplished if I hadn't wasted so much time. What did I accomplished today? I wrote two poems "A Walk in China: Avenue of Stars in Hong Kong" and "How Great Thou Art" . I finished " Contemplating Justice" in "My Life Is A Poem" , and I made two blog entries "Fiction Friday: Where Have You Been?" and "Twice Below a Place" . I also did some reviews, unfortunately I didn't get as many review accomplished this week as I wanted. I'll have to see what I have to change before I post my review goals on Monday.What do I have to complete by 9:00 P.M. Pacific time on Sunday, February 11, or work on this weekend? Finish Week 27 essay/poem/short story for "Invalid Item" . Two stories in Make-Up month for "The Contest Challenge" . Review an article for "Invalid Item" . I, also, have some blog entries to make, and, if I get all that accomplished, I have a couple of poems started (besides the one at the beginning of this entry) that I need to finish. I also have a chapter in a novel I have to edit.Footnotes |
‘Idál (Justice), 2 Mulk (Dominion) 174 B.E. - Wednesday, February 7, 2018 Confirmations of the Holy Spirit "O ye beloved of Baha'! Do not look at your weakness, nay, rely upon the confirmation of the Holy Spirit. Verily, It maketh the weak strong, the lowly mighty, the child grown, the infant mature and the small great." ‘Abdu'l-Baha, Tablets of ‘Abdu'l-Baha, vol. 230 I have felt the confirmations of the Holy Spirit numerous times over the past several months. They come in little ways, which I think is the way it always happens. Some examples are idea for a poems or the feeling I should do something I have never tried before. Part of me is afraid; however, when I go ahead and try something new, it works out for the best. I know that, as long as, I continue to pray, read the sacred scriptures, and meditate I will continue to experience confirmations of the Holy Spirit. *** Wednesday Accomplishments It's been an interesting, and, somewhat, stressful morning. The stress came when I couldn't access my cox.net inbox. I called tech support, and the robot couldn't find my account number, so I pushed the button to talk to a human being. The young lady who helped me was polite and helpful. I could access my e-mail after that. I deleted some items before logging out. I have to get back in to delete more items, but I'll do that slowly over the next few days. This morning, I said the Long Healing Prayer before getting up. After I got up, I checked my bank account, and then logged into writing.com. I have managed to review a few items and read two news letters. After reading the newsletters I sent comments to each one. I still have a lot of writing, so I need to get on with that and do some more reviewing. I submitted this response to "Comedy Newsletter (February 7, 2018)" . "After moving my old XP machine, twice, I finally got rid of it. I took it to a salvage place. Now I have more room on my desk, and (if I ever decide to move again) I have only one machine to take with me.'I submitted this response to "Spiritual Newsletter (February 7, 2018)" . "'Abdu'l-Baha, the eldest son of Baha'u'llah, made an impression on me, and many others, by demonstrating spiritual values. When he visited America in 1912, he treated everyone he met with equal respect and kindness. It didn't matter to him whether the person was rich or poor, black or white, male or female, or if they were a follower of any religion. They were still human beings and deserved to be respected. Today, many Baha'is look to 'Abdu'l-Baha as an example of how a person should treat others."Despite the slow start, today was a good day. Wrote three poem, one in my blog "I Am a Feminist" , one for the daily poem challenge "Wallpaper" , and the last for the Construction Cup Challenge "Huā Yuán " . I still have three Contest Challenges to catch-up for July and November 2017, and January 2018. I have to work on those, but I think I'm going to spend the rest of the day reviewing. JULY 2017: "WEIRD TALES CONTEST " "The Devil Needs a Bride" . NOVEMBER 2017 "The Taboo Words Contest ~ On Hiatus" "Spring Bath"  JANUARY 2018 "Invalid Item" "Dear Writers' Block" FEBRUARY 2018 "Sinister Stories Contest" "Invalid Item" Footnotes |
Fiḍál (Grace), 1 Mulk (Dominion) 174 B.E. - Tuesday, February 6, 2018 Catch-Up Month for "The Contest Challenge" I have several things to write this month, however I'm going to attempt to add one more thing and catch-up with my "The Contest Challenge" entries. I'm not sure how much I can catch-up, but I will attempt with six months worth of poem and story writing. Below is listed everything I need to catch up, and the things I've caught up today. See "Catch-Up Month" complete instructions. I need to catch up for JULY 2017, AUGUST 2017, SEPTEMBER 2017, OCTOBER 2017, NOVEMBER 2017, DECEMBER 2017, JANUARY 2018, and FEBRUARY 2018. OCTOBER 2017 "The Daily Poem" "Snow Scribbles" "Contradiction"  AUGUST 2017 "Invalid Item" "Snow Scribbles" "Laughter"  SEPTEMBER 2017 "Write from the Heart Poetry Contest" "Valentine Tears"  DECEMBER 2017 "Holiday Short Story Contest - closed" "Candice's Secret Admirer" JULY 2017: "WEIRD TALES CONTEST " "The Devil Needs a Bride" . NOVEMBER 2017 "The Taboo Words Contest ~ On Hiatus" "Spring Bath" JANUARY 2018 "Invalid Item" "Dear Writers' Block" FEBRUARY 2018 "Sinister Stories Contest" "Invalid Item" Total Review = 33 - 4 = 29 |
Kamál (Perfection), 19 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 174 B.E. - Monday, February 5, 2018 "Is there any Remover of difficulties save God? Say: Praised be God! He is God! All are His servants and all abide by His bidding!" The Bab31 As I wrote in "How Do I Feel Today?" Submit to "I Write in 2018" . Write article/essay/poem for this weeks "Invalid Item" challenge. Daily response to "Invalid Item" prompt. Do items for "Invalid Item" . Post 2 or 3 entries in Poet999 - A Butterfly Emerges From Her Cocoon32 Respond to prompt from "Blogging Circle of Friends " , "Blog City ~ Every Blogger's Paradise" , or "The Daily Poem" at least once or twice during the week. Review at least 35 items during the week.Goals for February not posted to "Weekly Goals" Finish poem in "Bicentenary Poems and Prose" and/or poem in "The History of the Divine Feminine" . Read articles in "God Speaks Again" http://bahaiteachings.org/series/god-speaks-again.Despite the fact that this morning started out a bit rough, the afternoon appears to have smoothed out. I can focus on the things I need to do. I have accomplished quit a bit, but I still have more to do. I posted responses in "Melting Snow" to both prompts from both "Blogging Circle of Friends " and "Blog City ~ Every Blogger's Paradise" . I finished today's poem for "Invalid Item" , posted it in "Construct Cup Poems" under "Gold" and to the forum. I finished two more items on the February "Invalid Item" .I did a search for information about Malaysia for "Invalid Item" , and found 5 websites. I may need to do another search for myths or legends if I don't find anything I want to write about in these websites. I'm doing alright with the review goal for this week. I completed 2 qualified reviews yesterday, which means I only have 33 to go.Footnotes |
Jamál (Beauty), 18 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 174 B.E. - Sunday, February 4, 2018 This morning, I finished an entry in "Welcome to My Life" "Thou hast, moreover, asked Me concerning the state of the soul after its separation from the body. Know thou, of a truth, that if the soul of man hath walked in the ways of God, it will, assuredly, return and be gathered to the glory of the Beloved. By the righteousness of God! It shall attain a station such as no pen can depict, or tongue describe. The soul that hath remained faithful to the Cause of God, and stood unwaveringly firm in His Path shall, after his ascension, be possessed of such power that all the worlds which the Almighty hath created can benefit through him. Such a soul provideth, at the bidding of the Ideal King and Divine Educator, the pure leaven that leaveneth the world of being, and furnisheth the power through which the arts and wonders of the world are made manifest. Consider how meal needeth leaven to be leavened with. Those souls that are the symbols of detachment are the leaven of the world. Meditate on this, and be of the thankful." I have to admit, that when I read that quote, and the other scriptures quoted in the article, I felt and still feel some trepidation. I still feel some apprehension, because I am aware of how I have fallen short of God's Glory in the past and the present. There is nothing I can do about that except pray for forgiveness and attempt, with the help of Baha'u'llah, to do better. I just have to take it one-day-at-a-time, and keep trying to live as close to the commands of Baha'u'llah as I possibly can. *** According to the calendar, in my Baha'i Datebook, it is the beginning of a new week. I have always felt that a new week is a new chance to accomplish something great, or at least a time to renew my effort to accomplish my goals. I tend to make more goals than I can complete in a week or even a month. I know my weakness, but I don't know my limits. I always think I can accomplish more in a week than I really can. I will just have to deal with this weakness, and keep working to accomplish the goals I have established. In January, I established 18 goals to accomplish during 2018, and placed those goals in "Dear Me" . On February 1, I in "Thankful Thursday: First Thankful Thursday in February 2018" I posted 9 things I wanted to accomplish in February. I accomplished one of those items last week. I entered "Worldwide News Stories" in "Stormy's poetry newsletter & contest" , which leaves only 8 more of February's goals to accomplish. I'm doing alright keeping up with the rest of those 8 goals, but I haven't looked at "Dear Me" yet this month. In addition, I haven't posted an entry in my offsite blog since the end of January. I have to post 2 or 3 entries in that this week. I, also, have to get back to review more than 1 item a day. Submit to "I Write in 2018" each week. Write article or poem for weekly "Invalid Item" challenge. Daily response to "Invalid Item" prompt. Do items for "Invalid Item" . Read articles in "God Speaks Again" http://bahaiteachings.org/series/god-speaks-again. Finish poem in "Bicentenary Poems and Prose" and/or poem in "The History of the Divine Feminine" . Post 2 or 3 entries in Poet999 - A Butterfly Emerges From Her Cocoon35 Respond to prompt for either "Blogging Circle of Friends " or "Blog City ~ Every Blogger's Paradise" Review at least 35 items during the week.Footnotes |
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You kept hope, prayed, and that paid off.
Only bush honeysuckle in bloom. It's not very fragrant. The intoxicating vines bloom later. But we have lilacs... until this heat roasts them.