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. |
Istijlál (Majesty), 13 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 175 B.E. - Thursday, January 31, 2019 A Divine Creation1 The soul is a divine creation! A single undivided substance that has neither beginning nor ending. Its association, with the body begs at conception. The soul's association with the body, educates the human spirit; gives it a chance to develop the attributes God endowed it with. When the body dies the spirit, the soul, ascend into the next world taking with it the attributes it developed while in association with the physical body. Gratitude List For 13 Sulṭán Today I am thankful... ...that I have 395 points in my Survey Spot account. ...that I have 45,050 points in my YouGov account. ...that I received my refills for Alendronate and Calcitriol today. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...that I was able to make the February payment on my signature loan today. ...that I have 166,387 GPs in my Gift Points account. Footnotes |
‘Idál (Justice), 12 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 175 B.E. - Wednesday, January 30, 2019 My Second Midlife Crises2 This one is going to be fun! New experiences to lift my soul out of its brown study; out of the silent darkness of the uncreated and carry it into the joyous chaos of action. New experiences to jump start my self-esteem, and put my ego beyond self absorption into the realm of humanity. New experiences to split the atoms of fear and melt the elements of self-consciousness. In the process of becoming my true self, I give birth to a new belief system and the process of healing kicks Humpty Dumpty off the wall of selfishness. Poet's Note: ▼ Gratitude List For 12 Sulṭán Today I am thankful... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the cafe mocha I had with my pound cake this morning. ...that I have $30.19 in my Inbox Dollars account. ...for the Arizona sweet iced tea I have this afternoon. ...that I have $14.48 in my Send Earnings account. ...for the roast I had for my evening meal. Footnotes |
Kamál (Perfection), 10 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 175 B.E. - Monday, January 28, 2019 Facebook Status Update There are 274 day until October 29, 2019. Today I begin the first of 200 poems dedicated to The Bab. I placed the beginning of the poem in my writing.com blog entry. Gratitude List For 10 Sulṭán Today I am thankful... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn. ...for the mini cupcake to go with my morning coffee. ...that I was able to begin the first of the 200 poems dedicated to The Bab today. The beginning of the poem is found in "Happiness, 1 Muharram 1235 AH, and Letting Go of the Past" . ...for the homemade chicken soup I had today for lunch. ...that I have two feedback items for my February edition of the Fantasy newsletter. ...that it's been nice enough today to keep the door open all day. Life Exists3 The miracle is that life exists! It exists as coral on the ocean floor, It exists as flowers in a hidden meadow, and as trees on a snow capped mountain peak. Life exists concealed in empty space! It exists hidden from human eyes, It exists concealed in the stone of comets, It exists hidden as modules in asteroids, and as living creatures on distant planets. Life exist in the midnight of our fears, It exists in the awesome joy of our hopes, And in every direction of reality. Life exists as a procedure to the enlightened, It exists as a confirmation to the faithful, And as instructions to the seeker. Life exist in every corner of the universe; It exists in every possible and impossible echo system; And in an incalculable amount. Life exists as humanity: Humanity a single group, and a single species sharing one planet. Life exists under strenuous conditions, That give a poet pause to think and to immediately express the universe: "We are the universe expressing itself!" Poet's Note: ▼ Footnotes |
Jamál (Beauty), 9 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 175 B.E. - Sunday, January 27, 2019 Sunday Morning4 a sparrow singing morning sun casts dark shadows pigeons are cooing Gratitude List For 9 Sultan Today I am thankful... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the chocolate ice cream I had as an afternoon snack. ...that I took a walk down to the corner of twenty-first street and sunrise this afternoon. ...for vegetable chips containing potatoes, carrots, and spinach. ...that I have $30.09 in my Inbox Dollars account. Footnotes |
Istiqlál (Independence), 7 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 175 B.E. - Friday, January 25, 2019 Wind Shadows5 The wind blows, and shadows dance across stone walls. The wind blows, and shadows of cold flames flicker. Gratitude List For 7 Sultan Today I am thankful... ...that I received a check fro my sister today. ...for the nut bread I had to go with my coffee this morning. ...that I was able to have two prescriptions filled through Humana mail order pharmacy today. Jalál (Glory), 8 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 175 B.E. - Saturday, January 26, 2019 Saturday's Pigeons6 Saturday morning Pigeons coo supplicating Warmth from dawn's first rays Gratitude List For 8 Sultan Today I am thankful... ...that I took the opportunity to get out of my apartment, walk up to Veterans Village, and pick up some food today. ...for fresh brewed hot coffee. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the chicken salad with mixed greens I had for lunch today. ...that I have 44,450 points in my YouGov account. Footnotes |
‘Idál (Justice), 5 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 175 B.E. - Wednesday January 23, 2019 Sacred Scriptures7 Out of context The verses become beacons Pulsating in the night. In context The verses are stars Guiding the wayfarer home. Gratitude List for 5 Sulṭán Today I am thankful... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for graham crackers to go with my coffee this morning. ...that I have 375 points in my Survey Spot account. ...for the candy cane I have for my afternoon snack. ...that I have 160,462 GPs in my Gift Points account. ...for the homemade chicken soup we had for supper. Istijlál (Majesty), 6 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 175 B.E. - Thursday, January 24, 2019 Gratitude List for 6 Sultan Today I am thankful... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the short bread cookies I have to go with my coffee this morning. ...that I have five Editors Picks for the February edition of the Spiritual Newsletter. ...for the Toby Keith snow glob I received today. ...that I have decided on a topic for my February Spiritual Newsletter. ...for the Arizona sweet iced tea tea for lunch. Footnotes |
Fiḍál (Grace), 4 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 175 B.E. - Tuesday, January 22, 2019 Write It Today8 That idea that is so near right now; Will leave for part unknown; Unless you write it down today. Gratitude List for 4 Sulṭán Today I am thankful... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the fresh brewed hot coffee I have to drink on this cold winter morning. ...that I went out to pick up the mail today, because I was able to look up at Mount Charleston and see the snow covering its beautiful peak. ...for the Arizona sweet iced tea I have with my lunch. ...that I have 126,112 GPs in my Gift Points account. ...for the homemade chicken soup I had for supper. Facebook Status Update Tuesday morning chill Outside the air feels like snow Staying inside with hot coffee Snow on The Mountain An arctic wind caresses Las Vegas valley Footnotes |
Kamál (Perfection), 3 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 175 B.E. - Monday, January 21, 2019 Martin Luther King Day The Soul9 The human spirit is a bright blue flame burning with the love of God. Gratitude List for 3 Sultan Today I am thankful... ...for the fresh brewed coffee I had with my eggs this morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the falafel wrap I had for lunch today with my Arizona sweet iced tea. ...that I have 120,562 GPs in my Gift Points account. ...for the aloe vera plants. Footnotes |
Jamál (Beauty), 2 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 175 B.E. - Sunday, January 20, 2019 World Religion Day Divine Love10 God's love is a pericarp, A seed pod ready to burst, To open the seeker's heart, To faith's unquenchable thrust. Love for God: a lighting rod, Attached to the seeker's soul, Attracting the love of God, Revealing the seeker's goal. God's love: a gravity well, That captures the seeker's soul, Then te4sts the seeker's will, Obedience to God's goal. Divine love is a guiding light, Allows the seeker to move, To ascend in joyous flight, To pursue its goal: God's love. Gratitude List for 2 Sultan Today I am thankful... ...that I was able to go to the Spiritual Services at the Baha'i Center today. ...for the brownie I had at the Baha'i Center during the social portion of Services. ...that my Bank of America Checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for bottled water because it is easier to drink when I have a bottle of water near my work station. ...that I have 118,962 GPs in my Gift Points account. ...for the chocolate ice cream that I had for my evening snack. Footnotes |
Jalál (Glory), 1 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 175 B.E. - Saturday, January 19, 2019 Feast of Sulṭán Nothing can be achieved without the aid of God One achieves nothing by doing nothing. There is nothing more important then proclaiming the name of the Ancient Beauty. Hope achieves nothing without action. If no mistakes are being made it means nothing is being done. Nothing can be achieved without obedience to God's Manifestation. Good intentions alone achieve nothing. Gratitude List for 1 Sulṭán Today I am thankful... ...for the short bread cookies I have to go with my coffee this morning. ...that I have four Editors picks for my up coming Spiritual Newsletter. I need to find two or three more over the next few days. ...for the orange I had with my breakfast this morning. ...that I have 115,612 GPs in my Gift Points account this afternoon. ...for the cat fish we had for lunch. ...that we could keep the front door open today. Footnotes |
Istiqlál (Independence), 19 Sharaf (Honor) 175 B.E. - Friday January 18, 2019 My Soul's Desire12 To write sonnets to the Pen of Glory, and inscribe odes to the Primal Point. To express my gratitude in stanza and line, in rhythm and rhyme, in metaphor and simile for my spirit's birth in this age of transition. Gratitude List for 19 Sharaf Today I am thankful... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for short bread cookies to go with my morning coffee. ...that my poem Wolf Runner won third place in Round 67, of the Shadows and Light Poetry Contest.
...for the candy cane I have for my afternoon snack today. ...that I received a merit badge. ...that I can attend Devotional Service at the Baha'i Center is coming Sunday. Footnotes |
‘Idál (Justice), 17 Sharaf (Honor) 175 B.E. - Wednesday, January 16, 2019 Midweek Haiku13 A chill in the air Suggests snow on The Mountain Dreaming of spring Gratitude List for 17 Sharaf Today I am thankful... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the graham crackers I have to go with my coffee this morning. ...that I was able to finish editing and submit my next edition of the fantasy newsletter today. ...for the fish and the homemade tarter sauce we had for supper. ...that I have 43,200 points in my YouGov account. Istijlál (Majesty), 18 Sharaf (Honor) 175 B.E. - Thursday, January 17, 2018 Morning14 How beautiful is the morning, with white could above, and commuters going eastward, to meet the rising sun. Gratitude List for 18 Sharaf Today I am thankful... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the graham crackers I had with my coffee this morning. ...that I was able to sit outside for a little while this morning and drink my coffee while I watched the neighbors and the cloudy sky. ...for the BBQ sandwich I had for lunch. ...that I have three Editors Picks for my upcoming Spiritual Newsletter. ...for the beautiful cloudy and rainy day we are experiencing today. ...that I have 111,962 GPs in my Gift Points account. ...that I have until January 28 to pay the Cox Communications bill. Footnotes |
Kamál (Perfection), 15 Sharaf (Honor) 175 - Monday, January 14, 2019 Complete Silence15 Silence is never more complete than when you are alone in a room. You are the only person on the planet or in the universe. Gratitude List For 15 Sharaf Today I am thankful... ...that I have 12 one-way or 6-two way rides with National Mettrans for this year. ...for the short bread cookies I had to go with my coffee this morning. ...that my Bank of America account is not overdrawn today. Fiḍál (Grace), 16 Sharaf (Honor) 175 B.E. - Tuesday, January 15, 2019 Circle of Faith16 The Great Spirit speaks and humanity responds to the voice of love. The Great Spirit speaks encircling the globe with love; with His Covenant. The Great Spirit speaks through the Mirrors of His Manifestations to each generation. Gratitude List for 16 Sharaf Today I am thankful... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the homemade brownies I had to go with my coffee this morning. ...that I was able to post and today Blogging Circle of Friends prompt before the internet went down yesterday. ...for the rain, because it makes me smile and shows me the beauty of a cloudy day. ...that I was able to transfer $25.00 from my saving to my checking yesterday, because that more than covered my monthly contribution to the National Baha'i Fund. ...for the soup I had for lunch, because it was comforting on this rainy day. ...that I have 482 points in My Survey account. ...for the chicken pie I had for supper. Footnotes |
Jamál (Beauty), 14 Sharaf (Honor) 175 B.E. - Sunday, January 13, 2019 Gratitude List For 14 Sharaf Today I am thankful... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the short bread cookies I had to go with my coffee this morning. ...that I have 335 points in my Survey Spot account. ...for the Arizona sweet iced tea I have with my lunch ...that I have all the "Invalid Item" January 2019 Week 2 Challenges completed. ...for a baked onion I had with my lunch today. ...that I have 70,987 GPs in my Gift Points account. |
Jalál Glory), 13 Sharaf (Honor) 175 B.E. - Saturday, January 12, 2019 Poetry is echoes from my soul, descending through mind's corridors, Whispering to my animal brain, melodies of spiritual reality. Rhyme is the right brain's interpretation, of music descending from my spirit. rhythms whose immortal melodies, transcend physical reality. Verse is the left brain's translation, of echoes descending from my soul, words cannot adequately express, spiritual reality. Gratitude List For 13 Sharaf Today I am thankful... ...for the shortbread cookies I have to go with my coffee this morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the apple sauce, and the cheerios with milk that I had for breakfast. ...that I have 70,737 GPs in my Gift Points account. ...for the bean burrito I had for supper today. Footnotes |
Istiqlál (Independence), 12 Sharaf (Honor) 175 B.E. - Friday, January 11, 2019 Footprints18 Verse by verse I advance across the sands of life. Verse by verse I leave a record o my journey in the sands. Gratitude List for 12 Sharaf Today I am thankful... ...that my Bank of America account is not overdrawn today. ...for fresh brewed black coffee on this chilly winter morning. ...that I changed the skin in my port today. It is now Retro Beach. ...for the pears and Greek yogurt I had for breakfast this morning. ...that I received a card from Lyn's a Witchy Woman . ...that I have 335 points in My Survey account. Footnotes |
Istijlál (Majesty), 11 Sharaf (Honor) 175 B.E. - Thursday, January 10, 2019 Trust In God19 Trust in God! He is the strong, the invincible, The eternal creator. Trust in God! He sees us-- not for what we are but-- for what we can be. Trust in God! His grace is eternal, and His gifts are unending. Poet's Note: ▼ Gratitude List for 11 Sharaf Today I am thankful ... ...that I was able to transfer $10.00 from my PayPal account to my checking account. ...for the fresh brewed coffee I had this morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the bagel and cream cheese I had with my cereal this morning. ...that the $10.00 from PayPal hit my checking account today. ...that I have68,687 GPs in my Gift Points account. Footnotes |
‘Idál (Justice), 10 Sharaf (Honor) 175 B.E. - Wednesday, January 9, 2019 Hope20 The depth of our darkness, and the murkiness of our shadows reveals the brightness of our light. Gratitude List for 10 Sharaf Today I am thankful... ...that my Bank of America account is not overdrawn today. ...for the fresh brewed coffee I had this morning. ...that I have 42,600 points in my YouGov account. ...for the candy cane De brought home when she went after the commodities today. ...that I am able to laugh because it relieves the stress and depression. ...that "I Am Home" was featured in "Spiritual Newsletter (January 9, 2019)" . Footnotes |
Fiḍál (Grace), 9 Sharaf (Honor) 175 B.E. - Tuesday, January 8, 2019 Facebook Status Update You know you're getting old when you log into Facebook and realize you've been sharing memories for the past week. Gratitude List For 9 Sharaf Today I am grateful... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...that I have 1,005 points in my Survey Spot account, because I can have $10.00 transferred to my PayPal account. ...that I have $14.13 in my Send Earnings account. ...that I have 64,212 GPs in my Gift Points account. ...that I have a jar of lime candies I can nibble on during the day. ...that I have $29.20 in my Inbox Dollars account. |
Jamál (Beauty), 7 Sharaf (Honor) 175 B.E. - Sunday, January 6, 2019 DNA: A Poem21 Variegated threads entwine, brad themselves into rainbow cords of light, weave themselves into spiral stair cases that reflect cosmic diversity and divine harmony. Gratitude List For 7 Sharaf Today I am thankful... ...for the chocolate doughnut holes I had with my coffee this morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the canned chicken soup I had for breakfast this morning. ...that I have $29.03 in my Inbox Dollars account today. Kamál (Perfection), 8 Sharaf (Honor) 175 B.E. - Friday, January 7, 2019 Gratitude List For 8 Sharaf Today I am thankful... ...for the Banana I had to go with my coffee this morning. ...that my Bank of America Checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the opportunity to share a prayer revealed by 'Abdu'l-Baha in one of today's blog entries: "Happiness and Happy Monday" . ...that I could join the Facebook group Bicentenary of the Birth of the Bab. ...for the chicken and rice soup I had for breakfast today. ...that I received the January/February 2019 edition of the America Baha'i in the mail today. ...for the salad and leftover spaghetti I had for lunch. ...that I have 61,962 GPs in my Gift Points account. Footnotes |