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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. |
Kamál (Perfection), 3 Jamál (Beauty) 175 B.E. - Monday, April 30, 2018 "This is the day the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms 118:24 This and everyday is "the day the Lord has made", which should be motivation enough to get out of bed. This morning started off very good. I read the Long Healing Prayer, the Fire Table, a prayer for protection, and the Teaching prayer for the Western States the first thing. After getting up, and getting ready for my day, I chanted the Most Great Name, and read another prayer. That may seem like a lot of prayer; however, sometimes my mind tends to wander. When I read the prayer revealed by Baha'u'llah, the Bab, or 'Abdu'l-Baha it is easier to focus on writing or anything else I want or need to do. Last night, about 9:10 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time (12:10 A.M. writing.com time), I posted this week's goals on "Weekly Goals" . When I posted them, I didn't consider that today is the end of NaPoWriMo, and posted some of the goals I focus on during April. That's alright because one of the goals refers to a list of items I have to work on or finish. I can do more than one item on that list when I finish the April goals to today. In May I'm participating in "Invalid Item" , and considering responding to "30-Day Blogging Challenge ON HIATUS" prompts. In addition, I have one blog entry with some dream symbols in I need to explain. I will make another entry in "Melting Snow" concerning the symbols in "A Transformative Experience" . I, also, have to finish a poem I started in "Hate, Fear, and Bad Behavior Plus Peace Rose" .Facebook Status Update Cool cloudy morning Wind blowing through the trees Neighbors walking past So far, it's been a good motivational Monday. I finished the "Dew Drop Inn" and NaPoWriMo challenges, as well as, enter a poem In "The Daily Poem" . In addition, I completed four review for the Read & Review goal. I still need to post a poem on Poet 999 - A Butterfly Emerges from Her Cocoon, which I will do sometime today before finishing this entry. Other writing I have to do concerns the Week 39 entry for "Invalid Item" and the "Invalid Item" response.Together our spell bound hearts ascend above the battle field in unity. Poet's Note: ▼ Footnotes |
Jamál (Beauty), 2 Jamál (Beauty) 175 B.E. - Sunday, April 29, 2018 Ninth Day of Ridvan On this day in 1863, the spring flood of the Tigris River receded enough so that Baha'u'llah's family, along with some other believers, were able to join Him in the Garden of Ridvan. In remembrance of this event, today we celebrate the unity of the family of humanity. The human race is a single species, a single family, with physical difference that make it beautiful. Baha'u'llah, the Glory of God, came to unite humanity. He suffered exile and imprisonment for the salvation of the entire human race. Ninth Day of Ridvan Celebrating unity Family of humanity I completed the essay for "Invalid Item" Week 38 today. "Liechtenstein" is an essay of 500+ words about the nation. It's finished. It's alright. I don't know if I'm satisfied with it or not. Since it's finished I don't need to worry about being satisfied with it, unless I decide to edit or rewrite it. I still have a novel to edit or rewrite. I'm not satisfied with the novel, because I'm not sure I enjoy writing novels any more. I think I would rather write poems. That doesn't mean I can't or shouldn't rewrite the novel.Facebook Status Update Coffee for my soul Intoning prayers at dawn A new day begins I just did a search for The Maldives and Baha'is in The Maldives, I think I have enough to begin a poem, essay, or an activity for this subject on Monday. I usually don't receive the information about the the country for "Invalid Item" challenge until Monday, but it was posted today. I will think and pray about the approach I'm taking, and on Monday, April 30, I'll begin a document. Today, I have to write a poem for NaPoWriMo before 12:00 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time.Footnotes |
Jalál (Glory), 1 Jamál (Beauty) 175 B.E. - Saturday, April 28, 2018 "Armed with the power of Thy name nothing can ever hurt me, and with Thy love in my heart all the world’s afflictions can in no wise alarm me." Bahá’u’lláh4 It's been a long and productive day. I still have a couple of things on this week's to do list, which will may not be finished today. I know one of them will go into the middle next week, until I can think of a start for it to night. The other I will finish on Sunday. I may cut down on the amount of stuff I put on the list next week, all though could change my mind on that when Monday rolls around. Facebook Status Update Morning hot coffee And chocolate chip cookies First breakfast today Rebirth5 Resurrected from Brown stubble green shoots ascend Out of the rich earth Poet's Note: ▼ Footnotes |
Istiqlál (Independence), 19 Jalál (Glory) 147 B.E. - Friday, April 27, 2018 "We have created you from one tree and have caused you to be as the leaves and fruit of the same tree, that haply ye may become a source of comfort to one another. Regard ye not others save as ye regard your own selves, that no feeling of aversion may prevail amongst you." The Bab6 When I read the news reports (usually online) I get stressed because they show humanity so fragmented and hostile toward other groups. However, when I read the scriptures reveal by The Bab or Baha'u'llah, I am refreshed and inspired to work and pray for the unity of humanity. I know that eventually humankind will realizes their brotherhood and sisterhood. We are going through a stressful time because of the disunity and the world is going toward unity. Both the Bab and Baha'u'llah stressed the oneness of the humanity. In the above passage, the Bab unites the unity or oneness of the human race with the golden rule. The Bab was an independent Manifestation of God and the forerunner of Baha'u'llah. The Bab referred to Baha'u'llah as "Him Whom God Will Make Manifest". Baha'u'llah learned of His mission when He was a prisoner in the Black Pit, and He declared in mission in a Baghdad in 1863. It is Baha'u'llah's Declaration that Baha'is, across the world, celebrate during the Twelve Days of Ridvan. Planning the weekend Focus on reviewing and Writing poetry A New Creation7 Recreated through the power of God. Humanity walks naked through creation's fire, Emerging a new race - reborn from the ashes of the old. Paradise echoes with a new song; The Universe, compressed into its primordial atom, explodes into a new existence. Purged of the maladies of matter, We rise to meet our Lord in the air; We stand holding a new name written upon a white stone. Poet's Note: ▼ Footnotes |
Istijlál (Majesty), 18 Jalál Glory 175 B.E. - Thursday, April 26, 2018 There are four more days left in National Poetry Writing Month. I have managed to write over 52 poems, but I don't know if that is a record. I have, at least, 8 more to write before the end of April. Fortunately, I have come up with theme for those I don't have prompt for inspiration. I don't think I'll have much of a problem coming up with poems for the next four day, because there are some poems that I have committed to write for "Invalid Item" Rude Awakening8 The shock of sudden consciousness clouds my last dream. Illusions are meant to be dispelled, but not so suddenly. Poet's Note: ▼ My premium plus membership is up on May 15, and I have 3,433,740 GPs as of 6:31 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time. I still need 765,760 GPs to purchase a 12-month membership. I'm doing a lot of reviewing, usually using Read & Review. I hope I can build up enough GPs to purchase a 12-month premium plus; however, I may only be able to purchase 6-month and continue reviewing until I can extend it. Footnotes |
‘Idál (Justice), 17 Jalál (Glory) 175 B.E. - Wednesday, April 25, 2018 "O my God! O my God! Unite the hearts of Thy servants, and reveal to them Thy great purpose. May they follow Thy commandments and abide in Thy law. Help them, O God, in their endeavor, and grant them strength to serve Thee. O God! Leave them not to themselves, but guide their steps by the light of Thy knowledge, and cheer their hearts by Thy love. Verily, Thou art their Helper and their Lord." Bahá’u’lláh9 Every day I post the links to either one or two blog entries on Facebook. This morning I posted a link to "Midweek Reflections on Music" in "Melting Snow" and today's entry in "Poet999 - A Butterfly Emerges From Her Cocoon"10. While I was on Facebook, there was an add for a 21-Day prayer course. I clicked the ad to find out about it, and discovered that there were three types of prayer courses which cost from $10 to $20 or $30. I decided not to take any of the courses because I already have access to prayers revealed by The Bab, Baha'u'llah, and 'Abdu'l-Baha. The Baha'i prayers cover every contingency.The prayers revealed by the Central Figures of the Baha'i Faith show me how to pray. I say my prayers at least three times a day, sometimes more because I have memorized several prayer for assistance with tests, healing, and gratitude. When I want to say prayers I have not, yet, memorized I can either access them through an app on my smartphone, find them in my prayer book, or go on line. Companion Poems11 Reading the Word of God in Bed My mind hungry for reality consumes the sacred words My eyelids heavy with meditation fight to remain open My mind thirsty for the water of life drinks long and deep My eyelids surrender to sleep Reading Poetry in Bed My mind sated with verse falls into a contemplative stupor My eyelids closes pupils focus on the interplay of light and shadow Words unassociated with the odes I just read jolt my mind awake My eyelids open pupils focus on the interplay of meter and rhyme Footnotes |
Fiḍál (Grace), 16 Jalál (Glory) 175 B.E. - Tuesday, April 24, 2018 Poetry and Spirituality12 Poetry and spirituality is a circumglobal experience that simultaneously embraces sacred passions and worldly wisdom; tranformative monologues and prayer; religious history and the Mystery. Words burn through the veil that separates God's names into religions and sects; words forge transcendent links that unify concepts of divinity; words merge to forms astonishing readable translations of reality. Poet's Note: ▼ Footnotes |
Jamál Beauty), 14 Jalál (Glory) 175 B.E. - Sunday, April 22, 2018 Earth Day 2018 Facebook Status Update Earth Day, Say a prayer for Mother Earth, and recycle some plastic. A Romantic Challenge13 Time caresses my auburn tresses wrapped around my fingers. The first gray strands, a perfect white, a solitary stone, a wisp of day against the cruel night. I think I see a ringer in the mirror. Poet's Note: ▼ Footnotes |
Jalál (Glory), 13 Jalál (Glory) 175 B.E. - Saturday, April 21, 2018 First Day of Ridvan14 First Day of Ridvan Listen to the Nightingale sing In the Tree of Life First Day of Ridvan15 On the First Day of Ridvan I read the musk-scented scriptures inscribed by the Pen of God's Glory, and inhale the perfume of paradise. Footnotes |
Istiqlál (Independence), 12 Jalál (Glory) 175 B.E. - Friday, April 20, 2018 Roses for Ridvan16 On the first day of Ridvan Roses bloomed in paradise Proclaiming the Glory of God To a weeping world. Facebook Status Update Sunset on Friday The celebration begins: First day of Ridvan. Footnotes |
Istijlál (Majesty), 11 Jalál (Glory) 175 B.E. - Thursday, April 19, 2018 “Know thou of a certainty that every house wherein the anthem of praise is raised to the Realm of Glory in celebration of the Name of God is indeed a heavenly home, and one of the gardens of delight in the Paradise of God.” Bahá’í Writings Praise Sing "Hallelujah!" Joyfully intone praise the the Almighty. Gratitude17 In everything give thanks! Never doubting that God exist. Each day He blesses every unselfish deed. Victory and defeat instructs the conscious soul. Each test encountered strengthens the seeker's faith. Reach beyond the limits of materiality. Your salvation is to overcome your duality. Together body and spirit compose a single entity. Humanity was created to live eternally. In everything give thanks! Never doubting that God exist. God does not leave His lovers unconsoled. God does not leave His lover unconsoled. In everything give thanks! Victory and defeat instructs the conscious soul. Eternity was created for humanity. Thought and deed must go hand-in-hand. Heaven and hell is constructed individually. At death the soul vibrates at a higher level; Never doubting that Tod exist. Knowledge of God comes through His Manifestation. Salvation is accepting God's Manifestation. Poet's Note: ▼ Footnotes |
‘Idál (Justice), 10 Jalál (Glory) 175 B.E. - Wednesday, April 18, 2018 The Big Question I just finished reading "Spiritual Newsletter (April 18, 2018)" The question Sunday school teachers couldn't answer was, "If the only way to heaven is through Jesus Christ, what about the people who lived before He was born?" The two dreams concerned the return of His Holiness Jesus Christ. The interaction with people of other religions or spiritual paths, was my search for the answer to the question and the explanation of the dreams. When I encountered the Baha'i Faith, and accepted Baha'u'llah, I found the answer to two question and the explanation of the dreams. As a Baha'i, I believe in progressive revelation. God has sent numerous divine prophets, or Holy Manifestations. Each one has helped humanity progress spiritually and materially. The names of some of these Manifestations are Moses, Jesus, Buddha, Krishna, Zoroaster, Muhammad, the Bab, and Baha'u'llah. Baha'u'llah is the latest, and fulfills the prophecies of the Holy Prophets who came before Him. This is what I believe, if anyone has any questions they can go to any Baha'i in their area of the world and ask or they can access information online. One website that posts articles about Baha'i beliefs is BahaiTeachings.org http://bahaiteachings.org/. I attempt to answer any questions I can. I have been a Baha'i for over 30 years, and there are still things I am learning from the sacred scriptures revealed by Baha'u'llah and, His forerunner, The Bab. |
Fiḍál (Grace), 9 Jalál (Glory) 175 B.E. - Tuesday, April 17, 2018 "O my God, O my Lord, O my Master! I beg Thee to forgive me for seeking any pleasure save Thy love, or any comfort except Thy nearness, or any delight besides Thy good-pleasure, or any existence other than communion with Thee. Thou seest, O my Lord, my dwelling-place in the heart of this mountain and Thou dost witness my forbearance." The Bab The Bab was imprisoned in the mountain fortresses of Maku before being transferred to the fortress of Chehriq. Yes18 Yes is a private choice, between the lover and the beloved, whose consequences reverberate through the sacred scriptures, the pages of history, and the stanzas of poems. Yes! Proclaimed, in all its power and glory, when the question is ask: Am I not your Lord? Becomes salvation's bridge. Yes! Repeated generates echoes, in the space-time continuum, that reverberates through matter and energy, through mind and spirit, through past and future to forge a new world view, to create a new approach to reality and to merge the lover with the beloved. Poet's Note: ▼ Footnotes |
Kamál (Perfection), 8 Jalál (Glory) 175 B.E. - Monday, April 16, 2018 "I am the Mystic Fane, which the Hand of Omnipotence hath reared. I am the Lamp which the Finger of God hath lit within its niche and caused to shine with deathless splendor. I am the Flame of that supernal Light that glowed upon Sinai in the gladsome Spot, and lay concealed in the midst of the Burning Bush." The Bab A lamp ignited by the fire of God's love in the niche of His Covenant. Contemplating Motivation19 Where does motivation come from? From the Holy Spirit, through the sacred scriptures revealed by Baha'u'llah, The Bab, Muhammad, Christ, and any of the other sacred scriptures I read or come across. Footnotes |
Jamál (Beauty), 7 Jalál (Glory) 175 B.E. - Sunday, April 15, 2018 Facebook Status Update Post Prayer and coffee A good beginning to A beautiful day. Seasons of Civilization20 Spring is a time of new beginnings, When nature begins a New Year, A time of new births and stronger feelings; A new age - the judgment day humanity fears. Summer is a time of growing, A time for nature's beauty to mature. This is the time of empire building, When the new civilization looks to the future. Fall and winter - times of harvesting and dying; When nature is at its lowest ebb. Civilization is in decay - awaiting a Divine Manifestation, When true civilization appears dead. Thus civilization and nature follow the same law, God's law. Poet's Note: ▼ Footnotes |
Jalál (Glory), 6 Jalál (Glory) 175 B.E. - Saturday, April 14, 2018 Success Defined21 To attain the object of her quest, The seeker must never rest, But must ascend the maintains, That separate the valleys of faith. Poet's Note: ▼ Facebook Post Listen to the wind Blowing through pine and palm trees Intoning God's Glory Footnotes |
Istiqlál (Independence), 5 Jalál (Glory) 175 B.E. - Friday, April 13, 2018 Poetry Reading22 Impaled on atoms of air rising into the upper atmosphere, poets echo the full moons love for the sun. Reverberating from the firmament's ebony ceiling, poets intone Earth's untitled sonnets to the expanding universe. Poet's Note: ▼ Footnotes |
Istijlál (Majesty), 4 Jalál (Glory) 175 B.E. - Thursday, April 12, 2018 "O Son of Beauty! By My spirit and by My favor! By My mercy and by My beauty! All that I have revealed unto thee with the tongue of power, and have written for thee with the pen of might, hath been in accordance with thy capacity and understanding, not with My state and the melody of My voice." Gratitude List for The Day of Majesty  Today I am thankful for the the beauty of a cool Las Vegas morning. Today I am thankful that "Pennies From Heaven" was featured in "Short Stories Newsletter (April 11, 2018)" . Today I am thankful that I have 3,042,138 GPs in my Gift Points account. I need only 1,157,362 GPs for a 12-month Premium Plus membership. Today I am thankful that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn. Today I am thankful that I made out my ballot for the Local Spiritual Assembly election, which is on April 21, and sent it in on Monday, April 6. Today I am thankful for hot coffee. Today I am thankful that it is cool enough to keep the front door open. Today I am thankful for the scriptures revealed by Baha'u'llah, because they inspire my poems. Today I am thankful for the memories of my mother and grandparents that I can share in my poems and blog entries. Today I am thankful for life, and the ability to think and remember.Facebook Post Good morning, Coffee, How are you this beautiful day. Please don't go away. How Beautiful is The Morning?25 How beautiful is the morning? Beautiful the scarlet rays of dawn. Is it time for the Lord to return? The Glory of the Lord reveals Morning to humanity. How beautiful is the morning? Beautiful the white clouds up above. Is it time to proclaim The splendor of the Lord's return? Morning is passing quickly. How beautiful is the morning? Beautiful the pilgrims going eastward. Is there a reason to rejoice? The Most Great Name intoned in Morning's crisp air. How beautiful is the morning? Beautiful is God's dawning light. Is this the reason that we sing? The nightingale intones Morning's might. Poet's Note: ▼ Footnotes |
Fiḍál (Grace), 2 Jalál (Glory) 175 B.E. - Tuesday, April 10, 2018 Love Interest26 How do you compound our love? Annually; Semiannually; Quarterly; Monthly; Weekly; Daily: or continually? Tell me, Please, The nominal interest rate you use! Our incompatibility comes Not from our lack of interest, But From our different expectations Concerning this investment. Poet's Note: ▼ Footnotes |
Kamál (Perfection), 1 Jalál (Glory) - Monday, April 9, 2018 Feast of Glory Feast Day of Glory On the Feast Day of Glory27 I am motivated to write poetry. I write for the Glory of God, for Baha'u'llah. Why I Write28 I write for the Glory of God. I pray for forgiveness when my lower self interferes and causes me to momentarily unfocus on the reason I write poetry. Footnotes |
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