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. |
Jalál (Glory), 14 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 176 B.E. - Saturday, February 1, 2020 Winter Days1 On beautiful winter days, when the sky is blue and the sun shines bright my muse takes flight when I hear a spiritual or a gospel song; it's at these moments that I write odes to the Glory of God. Gratitude List for 14 Sulṭán Today I am thankful ... ...that I have 1,221 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the chocolate cupcake I had with my morning coffee. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for fresh brewed coffee on this beautiful winter morning. ...that my Social Security check hit my checking account today. ...for the grapes I had for my morning snack. ...that I received my 3GB of data and 1,000 minutes today. ...for the bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich I had for breakfast. ...that I have 1,294 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the merit badge I received today. Footnotes |
Istiqlál (Independence), 13 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 176 B.E. - Friday, January 31, 2020 Gratitude List for 13 Sulṭán Today I am thankful ... ...for the good night's sleep I got last night. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for fresh brewed coffee on this chilly winter morning. ...that one of my government checks hit my bank today. ...for the fruit I had for my first breakfast. ...that I was able to pay the Cox Communication bill for the Internet today. ...for the chocolate cupcake I had with my coffee this morning. ...that I have 1,203 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the merit badges I received today. |
Istijlál (Majesty), 12 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 176 B.E. - Thursday, January 30, 2020 Winter2 On cold winter nights a chill penetrates my bones arousing thoughts of spring. In the sleepless cold snuggling under warm blankets I miss spring's pleasant embrace. Winter is lonely flowerless gardens, dead grass, and leafless trees. Gratitude List for 12 Sulṭán Today I am thankful ... ...for fresh brewed coffee on this beautiful winter morning. ...that I have 1,006 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the chocolate cupcake I had to go with my coffee. ...that I have 2,864,882 GPs in my Gift Points account. ...for the mushroom omelet I had for breakfast. ...that I have $6.28 in my Vindale Research account. ...for the grapes I had as an afternoon snack. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the pizza I had for supper tonight. Footnotes |
ʻIdál (Justice), 11 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 176 B.E. - Wednesday, January 29, 2020 There's something about the sunset that saddens me. It is time to face reality! Did I read from God's word today? Did I pray? Did I bring joy into someone's life? Or did I fall short of the mark by bringing pain to a human heart? Dis word and deed go hand-in-hand in my dealing with my fellowman? Or did my actions oppose my words proving me a hypocrite? Gratitude List for 11 Sulṭán Today I am thankful ... ...that I have 878 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for fresh brewed coffee on this beautiful winter morning. ...that my Bank of America account is not overdrawn today. ...for the blueberry muffin I had to go with my coffee. ...that the $30.21 from Inbox Dollar hit my PayPal account today. ...for the banana I had for my first breakfast. ...that the t-shirt Schnujo's Giving Away GPs sent arrived today. ...for the chocolate cupcake I had for my afternoon snack. ...that I have the Editor's picks for my edition of the February spiritual newsletter. ...for the Portobello mushroom I had for lunch. Footnotes |
Fiḍál (Grace), 10 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 176 B.E. - Tuesday, January 28, 2020 January4 January is the month of the mouse, two years in a row they have entered the apartment uninvited and unwanted. January is a stressful month without mice getting into the kitchen drawer and eating the small bags of rice. Gratitude List for 10 Sulṭán Today I am thankful ... ...that I have $27.06 in my Send Earnings account. ...for the banana I have to go with my coffee this morning. ...that I have 12,650 points in my YouGov account. ...for fresh brewed coffee on this chilly winter day. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the muffin I have for my first breakfast. ...that I have 704 points in my Survey Junkie account. Footnotes |
Kamál (Perfection), 9 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 176 B.E. - Monday, January 27, 2020 Gratitude List for 9 Sulṭán Today I am thankful ... ...that I have 619 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for fresh brewed black coffee on this beautiful winter morning. ...that I have $33.21 in my Inbox Dollars account. I was able to have $30.21 sent to my PayPal account. It is supposed to be processed on January 29. ...for the corn dog I had for breakfast this morning. ...that I have $26.80 in my Send Earnings account. ...for the cinnamon roll I had with my coffee. ...that I have 2,844,507 GPs in my Gift Points account. ...for the banana I have for my afternoon snack. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. |
Jamál (Beauty), 8 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 176 B.E. - Sunday, January 26, 2020 Winter Afternoon5 A chilly breeze blows through the palm trees, clouds decorate the blue sky, and I pray giving thanks for another beautiful winter day. Gratitude List for 8 Sulṭán Today I am thankful ... ...that I have $68.59 in my Google Adsense account. ...for fresh brewed black coffee on this beautiful winter morning. ...that I have $32.96 in my Inbox Dollars account. ...for the cinnamon roll to go with my coffee. ...that I was able to finish Baha’u’llah’s New Vision of Christ’s Atonement Christopher Buck. This is Part 58 of the series Figuring Out Prophecy . ...for the sausage and egg sandwich I had for breakfast this morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the tacos I had for lunch. ...that I have 442 points in my Survey Junkie account, Footnotes |
Jalál (Glory), 7 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 176 B.E. - Saturday, January 25, 2020 Walking Along the Edge6 I walk along the cliff of survival, a hair's breath from tumbling into the abyss, one misstep and I fall into the darkness. I cannot look into the chasm, because I will lose my footing and fall into the endless night of financial ruin. Gratitude List for 7 Sulṭán Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for fresh brewed black coffee on this beautiful winter morning. ...that I have 358 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the breakfast pastries I have to go with my coffee. ...that I have $32.59 in my Inbox Dollars account. ...for the canned plums I had for breakfast. ...that I have 2,841,767 GPs in my Gift Points account. ...for the Arizona sweet ice tea I had for lunch. Footnotes |
Istiqlál (Independence), 6 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 176 B.E. - Friday, January 24, 2020 Gratitude List for 6 Sulṭán Today I am thankful ... ...that I have $32.32 in my Inbox Dollars account. ...for fresh brewed hot coffee on this beautiful winter morning. ...that I have $26.70 in my Send Earnings account. ...for the breakfast pastries I had to go with m y coffee. ...that I have 303 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the good night's sleep I got last night. ...that I have $5.86 in my Vindale Research account. |
ʻIdál (Justice), 4 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 176 B.E. - Wednesday, January 22, 2020 Gratitude List for 4 Sulṭán Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn. ...for the cold brew coffee with almond milk I had this morning with breakfast. ...that I have 104 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the responses I received to "Spiritual Newsletter (January 15, 2020)" . ...that "Ayyam-i-Ha: The Holiday Season" was one of the items in the Editors' Pick of "Spiritual Newsletter (January 22, 2020)" . ...for the responses I received to "Fantasy Newsletter (January 22, 2020)" . ...that I have 2,838,057 GPs in my Gift Points account. Istijlál (Majesty), 5 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 176 B.E. - Thursday, January 23, 2020 Facebook Status Update I'm beginning to dislike January; every Gregorian year-- for the past few years-- has been stress filled. I spend the first quarter getting everything unstressed, so that by the final quarter I have a restful night's sleep. A new Gregorian year begins by pushing my stress buttons; I pray, meditate, and work to get it together, only to have it come apart at the beginning of the next year. Gratitude List for 5 Sulṭán Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for fresh brewed black coffee on this beautiful winter morning. ...that I have 218 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the breakfast pastry I have to go with my coffee this morning. ...that it was nice enough to keep the front door open for a little while today, so that we could get some fresh air into the house. ...for the merit badge I received today. Epiphany At Noon7 At 73 I don't deal well with maybes! When I ask a question that require either a yes or no, I expect a yes or a no. Don't say "Uh, well..," while you look for an excuse, just give me a straight forward no or yes. Footnotes |
Fiḍál (Grace), 3 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 176 B.E. - Tuesday, January 21, 2020 Poem At the End of the Day8 The day draws slowly to an end, weariness sets in, and tears begin. I feel so alone-- isolated-- cut off from the rest of humanity. What causes this stress? Is it lack of financial success? Is the problem spiritual? I contemplate the reason, and reach for my prayer book knowing that the answer will come only through prayer. Gratitude List for 3 Sulṭán Today I am thankful ... ...that I have $4.86 in my Vindale Research account. ...for fresh brewed black coffee on this beautiful January morning. ...that I have 1,206 points in my Survey Junkies account. I transferred $12.06 to my PayPal account. ...for the instant oatmeal I had for breakfast. ...that I was able to transfer $12.42 from my PayPal account to my savings account. ...for the turkey and dressing frozen dinner I had for lunch. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the 2,715,607 GPs I have in my Gift Points account. ...that I have $31.13 in my Inbox Dollars account. ...for the merit badge I received. Footnotes |
Kamál (Perfection), 2 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 176 B.E. - Monday, January 20, 2020 January Poem9 The door to 2020 stands open giving a hopeful glimpse of a brand new year and a new decade. Inhale the breath of faith-- as it wafts through the door of January-- as it invites us to strive for world peace. Gratitude List for 2 Sulṭán Today I am thankful ... ...that I have 976 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the baked potato with sour cream and butter I had for my evening snack last night. ...that I have $30.32 in my Inbox Dollars account. ...for fresh brewed coffee on this beautiful winter morning. ...that I have 12,150 points in my YouGov account. ...for the cookie I have to go with my coffee this morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the merit badges I received today. Footnotes |
Jalál (Glory), 19 Sharaf (Honor) 176 B.E. - Saturday, January 18, 2020 Gratitude List for 19 Sharaf Today I am thankful ... ...for the chocolate cup cake I had for my evening snack. ...that I have 865 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for fresh brewed coffee on this beautiful winter morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the cookie I had to go with my coffee this morning. ...that I have $30.08 in my Inbox Dollars account. ...for the merit badge I received. Jamál (Beauty), 1 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 176 B.E. - Sunday, January 19, 2020 Gratitude List for 1 Sulṭán Today I am thankful ... ...that I have 911 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for fresh brewed coffee on this chilly winter morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the Macadamia nut cookie I had to go with my coffee. ...that I received second place in "The Prompt Me Contest" ...for the french toast I had for breakfast. ...that I received an awardcon for "The Snow Fence" . ...for the merit badges I received today. |
Istijlál (Majesty), 17 Sharaf (Honor) 176 B.E. - Thursday, January 16, 2020 Gratitude List for 17 Sharaf Today I am thankful ... ...that I have 526 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for fresh brewed coffee on this beautiful winter morning. ...that I have 2,707,007 GPs in my Gift Points account. ...for the cookie to go with my coffee. ...that the cooking timer-smoke alarm works. Istiqlál (Independence), 18 Sharaf (Honor) 176 B.E. - Friday, January 17, 2020 Universal Prayer10 O Thou Splendor of reality! Out of nonexistence You have called into being the universe. O Thou Glory of eternity! Your image Is reflected in the mirror of creation. O Thou Beauty of divinity! You have called in existence The Manifestations of Your attributes. Gratitude List for 18 Sharaf Today I am thankful ... ...for the cookie I had to go with my coffee this morning. ...that I have 724 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for fresh brewed coffee on this beautiful winter morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the merit badge I received. Footnotes |
Fiḍál (Grace), 15 Sharaf (Honor) 176 B.E. - Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Gratitude List for 15 Sharaf Today I am thankful ... ...for the chocolate candy I had for my bedtime snack. ...that I have 436 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the cookie I had with my coffee this morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the fresh brewed coffee I had this morning. ʻIdál (Justice), 16 Sharaf (Honor) 176 B.E. - Wednesday, January 15, 2020 Gratitude List for 16 Sharaf Today I am thankful ... ...for fresh brewed coffee on this chilly winter morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the cookie I had to go with my coffee. ...that I have 512 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the banana I had with breakfast. ...for the Starbucks Chicken Wrap with peanut-coconut sauce for breakfast. |
Kamál (Perfection), 14 Sharaf (Honor) 176 B.E. - Monday, January 13, 2020 Winter Passes11 Second by second the days grow longer, as winter moves on, and we look forward to spring. Gratitude List for 14 Sharaf Today I am thankful ... ...for the hot chocolate I had last night before going to bed. ...that I have 1,036 points in my Survey Junkie account. I was able to transfer $10.36 to my PayPal account. ...for fresh brewed hot coffee on this chilly winter day. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for mini chocolate doughnuts to go with my coffee. ...that I was able to transfer $10.00 from my PayPal account to my checking account. ...for the Spanish Rice and Chicken I had for lunch. ...for the merit badge I received today. Footnotes |
Jamál (Beauty), 13 Sharaf (Honor) 176 B.E. - Sunday, January 12, 2020 Facebook Status Update You know you're getting old when you Google your symptoms before making a doctor's appointment. Gratitude List for 13 Sharaf Today I am thankful ... ...for the fresh brewed coffee on this beautiful winter morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the mini chocolate doughnuts I had to go with my coffee. ...that I have 721 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the French toast I had for breakfast. ...that I have the Spiritual Newsletter for January 15 completed. ...for the blueberries and yogurt I had with my breakfast. ...that I was able to clean out part of my inbox last week. ...for the merit badge I received. |
Jalál (Glory), 12 Sharaf (Honor) 176 B.E. - Saturday, January 11, 2020 In the words of Baha'u'llah, I find a fortress safe and strong where the cares and strife of modern life neither linger nor belong. His words inspire my heart to find the love that hate conceals, His pen inscribes upon my spirit the faith that tests reveal. His verses are my sanctuary bestowing peace on mind and soul, His sacred scriptures God's book of laws to which obedience is my goal. Gratitude List for 12 Sharaf Today I am thankful ... ...for the awardcon I received for "Winter Holidays" for first place in the December "SENIOR CENTER FORUM" . ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the fresh brewed coffee I had on this chilly winter morning. ...that I have 715 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the mini chocolate doughnuts I had to go with my coffee this morning. ...that I have 2,646,757 GPs in my Gift Points account. ...for the oatmeal and blueberries I had for breakfast. ...that I received an inspiring C-note from Schnujo's Giving Away GPs . Footnotes |
Istijlál (Majesty), 10 Sharaf (Honor) 176 B.E. - Thursday, January 9, 2020 Gratitude List for 10 Sharaf Today I am thankful ... ...that I have 686 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for fresh brewed coffee on this beautiful winter morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the chocolate covered mini doughnuts I had to go with my coffee. Istiqlál (Independence), 11 Sharaf (Honor) 176 B.E. - Friday, January 10, 2020 Gratitude List for 11 Sharaf Today I am thankful ... ...for fresh brewed black coffee on this beautiful winter day. ...that my Bank of America Checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for mini chocolate doughnuts to go with my coffee. ...that I have 11,550 points in my YouGov account. ...for the oatmeal and blueberries I had for breakfast. ...that I have 705 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the chicken soup I had for lunch. |
ʻIdál (Justice), 9 Sharaf (Honor) 176 B.E. - Wednesday, January 8, 2020 The crisp evening air awakens the desire for God's healing words. Out of the darkness of chaos flee the followers of light. The speech of the Friend rouses the ability to sacrifice. From the heavens of mercy pour the showers of divine love. The crisp evening air ignites desire to see the beauty of God. Out of the night's separation knowledge of self is gained. The voices of the friends engenders power to go beyond insistent self. In the joy of reunion the soul gains the will to survive. The pen of Baha'u'llah answers the questions humanity asks. Over the horizon of religion rises the Glory of God, revealing the verses of splendor. The names of God are united by the return of the Lord. Over the horizon of honor ascends the grandeur of God. From the perfect mirror is reflected the might of dawn. Through the Pen of Glory flows the sovereignty of unity. Away from matter's dominion ascend the people of God. The loftiness of God's Promised One is revealed through the Ancient Beauty. Gratitude List for 9 Sharaf Today I am thankful ... ...that I survived childhood. ...for the beautiful and chilly winter day. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn. ...for the coffee candy I had for my afternoon snack. ...that I have 312 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the merit badges I received. Footnotes |