  Spiritual
This week: Beyond Belief Edited by: KimChi  
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Beyond the long lines of shoppers jostling to buy the year's hottest toy, beyond the tired parents and squalling children, beyond the required tasting of Aunt Jo's disgusting fruitcake--there remains the joy, laughter, and brilliant smiles of the holiday spirit.
Here's hoping you catch it! |
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Do you celebrate Christmas?  Yule?  Hanukkah?  Kwanzaa? 
We all have our cherished beliefs about the "reason for the season". While we may belong to different religions (or no religion at all!) there are commonalities to these celebrations.
We see ancient traditions in everything from the lights on the Christmas tree to the holly around the centerpiece. The tree itself is Germanic, the holly and mistletoe are Celtic, and the gift-giving more ancient than writing.
It seems we've been gathering together in the coldest part of the year since civilization itself came into being. Why is this?
Because we are civilized. And being "thinking humans", we've devised much more than fire and clothes to keep us warm through the long, freezing nights. Our earliest traditions were not only a celebration of the Sun returning, but also a means of survival. The baker, the weaver, and the butcher traded their crafts to "spread the wealth". As none of us are skilled in every trade, this kept our towns clothed, fed, and strong.
Now that we can buy anything we need at a store, there's no need to get chummy with the butcher down the street. And yet our traditions linger; we give gifts to say "thanks" to the post man, the secretary, the teacher. We hold parties to catch up with old friends and make new connections.
This time of year holds a space beyond dogma and belief where we come together in fellowship. Sleigh bells chiming through the gently falling snow  , chestnuts and eggnog  by a roaring fire, fresh gingerbread  and hot chocolate after caroling, sneaking a kiss  under the mistletoe. This mishmash of cultures from all over the world is absolutely perfect. What is more fun and fulfilling on a frosty evening than baking cookies for the neighbors or wrapping the perfect gift? There's something romantic and nostalgic passed down in the stories of our ancestors that keeps our traditions burning strong. It ensnares even the atheist in its warm grasp.
The season is one of light and love, of gifts of the spirit, whether you celebrate the birth of the Son, the birth of the Sun, the miracle of a lamp burning for eight days, and/or the joys of family, community and culture.
So who's got it right? We all do. Celebrate the season in your own way! Enjoy your Christmas tree, your Yule log, the candles symbolizing (fill in the blank). And as you bask in the joy and laughter of family, remember to give a small token  to those less fortunate. This is one way to ensure blessings and riches (of the spiritual type) beyond belief.
May your days be Merry and Bright! |
December will be full of Christmas stories, so please enjoy these non-traditional items. If youi've got that holiday spirit, please leave a review! 
The room is dark, the outlines of the people barely visible in the gloom. Gradually, the coughs and whispers and sighs of winter clothing fade away and all is silence, all is peace.
And then, a spark.
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When you celebrate the Yule
Think of times and traditions past
The season is for family
And love that will forever last
'Twas the night before Solstice, and all through the hearth
the Pagans were waiting for the Sun King's rebirth.
Many candles were lit around them with cheer,
giving them light on the darkest night of the year.
Have you ever wondered why your parents always told you that giving gifts was far better than receiving and that you should give everyone in the family gifts...
What is the meaning of Yule you ask? Can anyone tell me? Is it making gifts for family? NO? Is it stringing popcorn and cranberries, singing Christmas carols around the fireplace? NO!
Although it falls in December, Hanukkah is not the Jewish Christmas. It is one of the several Jewish holidays that can be summarized as: They tried to kill us. They didn't. Thank God. Let's eat.
"Some of us are curious why you always wear paper clips on a chain around your neck. Is there a reason or story behind them?" Eddie shyly asked this and didn't understand why Sylvia's smile disappeared. Watching as Abe took Sylvia's hands in his large ones, Eddie wished he hadn't brought up the subject.
Kwanzaa is celebrated for 7 days from December 26- January 1st. The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase " Matunda Ya Kwanza" which means "first fruits." Kwanzaa is a non-religious African American holiday and it celebrates the culture, community and family. Dr. Maulana Karenga created Kwanzaa in 1966. Dr. Karenga was a professor at California State University at Long Beach.
If you came up to his spot by the fireplace and looked at him wrapped up in blankets on the floor, you'd think he was sleeping. But then you'd see a smile was showing on his face, even before he opened his eyes that morning. He had an important presentation to prepare. Serengeti considered what he would hear people say today about living the principle of Faith.
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Question
Do you make New Year's resolutions? Any tips on how to keep them beyond January 2nd?
Comments
Thanks for all the feedback on the last newsletter, "Spiritual Newsletter (November 3, 2010)"
Christine Cassello says:
I really like this column you wrote. I remember how after reading so much about fear of failure and never being able to find one that helped me overcome it, I read something that gave the opposite view for the first time. It was success I feared, not failure. That made do much sense all of a sudden. I also realized that to deny one's ability, or belittle it, was the servant hiding his master's talent and not using it, and that it was insulting to God to tell people what we can't do rather than boast about the ability He gives us. Right on! I hope others reading this will also have that revelation.
Thank you so much! I hope everyone can "throw off the bushel" and shine their light!
A note from A.T.B: It'sWhatWeDo :
One of my favorite characters that's ever chiseled its way out of my head like Athena in the Greek myth is Professor Knotts. He tells my protagonist, "Forever own your words, because Confidence is the young Artist's only Currency." (That's got a big ol' © - sorry, but feel free to pass it along by word of mouth by all means)
We all start somewhere, and we all have every ability to guide ourselves through that creative hedge-maze into our ultimate potential. It's just part of being who we are, so long as we keep that confidence, and keep it in check regardless of our successes. And, 44 or not, from what I've read above you've every right to be just as fabulous as you please. Thanks for the excellent NL!
I'm grateful for your kind comments and Prof. Knotts' excellent advice.
A note from Being Diane
I didn't know we had a group on fear and I just wrote one of our members, Ruth about how God wants us to overcome the fear. Right now I am getting rid of things which are stealing my joy. I inheired tons of stuff because I was an only child, grandchild, and only niece. A burden to carry indeed. I wondered if the last one left wondered how I got to where I am today. It was always DON'T JUMP, YOU'LL FALL, DON'T SWIM, YOU'LL DROWN. I DONT NEED TO STAY in fear for the rest of my left. what letter i need to right myself intitled "no fear." Diane
Good for you, Diane. My family was uber-fearful as well. Life is tough, but you can't grow if you never fall down and learn to get back up! I know what you mean about inherited stuff-it's so hard to make the tough decisions.
Light  claims:
That was a beautiful quote by Maryanne Williamson in the Nov. 3rd Spiritual newsletter. I felt that you could have mentioned that she is a spokes person for "A Course in Miracles." I've heard many of her taped lectures.
I see you didn't catch the typo in my last comment. Stopping the mind's trickster starts by slowing your mind down and knowing that God is helping you, always.
Good advice. Thanks, I've corrected the attribution.
alfred booth, wanbli ska offers: Self confidence. You've hit the nail on the head today in a sensitive and sensible newsletter. Alas, so many of us were brought up NOT to believe in ourselves, that what we did well was not important enough to make a career.
I am a good poet. But lack that extra amount of courage to prove it to every one. Little voices of doubt find ways to cast just enough shadows in my "me, myself and I" triangle.
Thank you for featuring one of my poems.
Appreciate your comments. You've convinced WDC you're a good poet. 
Winnie Kay  comments: The advice you offer in your NL is a lesson few of us learn. Your quote by Maryanne Williamson is listed as my favorite quote in my posted bio. I was excited to see it in your NL. God created ALL of us to be Excellent. When we accomplish this level of His gift, we should acknowledge it as our inherent right and not excuse it with false humility as luck or accident.
Exactly. Do your best with what God gave you.
Joy  maintains: Beautiful and so timely, Kim. Just when writers were voicing their "fear of failure" in "The WDC NanoLounge" .
Thank you!
Thanks Joy. And yet, we see a lot of winners, eh? Nice job, NANOers! 
Southurngurl comments: My fear of failure pushes and drives me harder. I reason in my head that if I fail, the outside world will say that I am inadequate and my talents are insufficent. It is because of that I makes sure to give my 100%. I guess my fear of failure leads me to success.
Awesome attitude!
Zeke says: I guess I'm too preoccupied to have either fear or triumph. I just love to write for my own sake.
Great newsletter. Keep writing.
Zeke
That's the idea!
ken  comments:
Hi witch woman,
your writing may arouse some air of curiosity and at the same time with some level of excitement but I'm not impressed by the dark side of life. I am a child of the light as My Father dwells in a place where there is no shadow of darkness.
Thank you. I, too, try to fill my newsletters, my port, and my life with love, light, and inspiration.
bob county asks: Was Hitler right when he said, "Jews are the enemy of Germans and all Christians?"
Bob County
Is this in reference to the loner question? Hitler pruned part of my family tree, so he was a direct threat. He also hated gays, gypsies and anyone who thought he was wrong. We know now he was the enemy of Germany and the world.
greymuir says:
I've just discovered this newsletter and I really liked the article on success. A great job was done presenting in with some moving quotations.
I have added your newsletter to my favorites. Thank you.
Thank you, and many blessings.
joleetriley comments:
"Fear of Failure" was the perfect RX for me this morning. My confidence and writing yo-yo. Most of my writing is from inspiration and even though I have taken the Longridge Writers Group's "breaking into print" course with great success, my sales have been sparse. Salesmen are frowned upon, vanity is a sin, and quiet modesty is perfection in my family. You are raised to know that your mind is far above average, but you're not to let it go to your head.
With that said, one day I finally found an opening to pitch my Christian cowboy poetry book to a man standing at the back of the sanctuary after church. Immediately his wife pipes up, "I don't like selling in the sanctuary". This is my feeling also, but I seldom have an opening to bring up the fact that I have a book for sale. The previous pastor encouraged me to put my books for sale beside his in the entry way, just 5 feet from where we were standing. I was crushed, and my pathetic salesmanship ability plummeted.
If you believe in your work, sell it. The opportunities will come again--believe that also. Appreciate your comments.
sarahreed said: It's definitely hard to get through the fear of succeeding. I am always putting myself down even when everyone one around me is praising me and my work. How can I not see what they see? Because I lack confidence in myself. I want to succeed, but I sabotage myself with negative thinking. I am slowly trying to improve my self-talk, but it is very hard to change.
Change is hard for me too. I need to be hit in the head with the "cosmic 2 by 4" several times before I get the hint. Lately I've been posting inspirational notes on the walls. When you read something several times a day, it's bound to sink in eventually! Let an author you admire look at your work. If they like it, believe it. (To do otherwise would be rude, right?) 
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Spiritual: November 30, 2010 Issue [#4106]
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