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daily devotional 1/11/08

January 11 - Daily Feast The owls call to each other early on a midwinter evening. Just as the last rays of sunlight sink into a rosy glow, a silence settles over the countryside. For a short time, everything is hushed. In that near-dark hour the wind lays and no sound is heard - as though the whole forest listens. The moment is brief as daytime creatures find their nests and those of the night begin to awaken. It is time to rest from our own activity, to find a quiet hour to let pressures ebb away. One of the greatest wonders is the rhythm and order of nature. But even greater is the flexibility of human nature - that we can move, think, project, plan and see all of it in perspective. And as the day wanes we can put it all down and take on the peace of nature. ~ Heed little the melancholy nights that keep tune with sorrowful thought. ~ CHIEF RUNS-THE-BATTLE 'A Cherokee Feast of Days', by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - January 11 "Race and language makes no difference; the barriers are gone when persons can come together on high spiritual levels." --Rolling Thunder, CHEROKEE Not only are race and language barriers overcome by spirituality, but all things are overcome by spirituality. Inside every human being is the spirit. When we see people, we can choose to look at their outside or we can choose to look at their inside. Spirituality resides inside of others, we must be able to look at our own inside. If we see spirituality inside ourselves, we will see spirituality inside others. The saying is, "what you sees is what you gets." My Creator, let me see all my brothers and sisters through the spiritual eye. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* 'THINK on THESE THINGS' By Joyce Sequichie Hifler We want much. It seems sometimes that wanting is all we ever get done. And yet if it were not for the desire of our hearts, there would be little incentive to work and plan and expect. Some would have us believe it is wrong to desire any more than absolute necessities. But good desires channeled in the right direction can do nothing but better the one who seeks. Sometimes getting is only a substitute for the true desire. Humans have a way of looking outside themselves for things to satisfy their spiritual hunger. It may be prestige. Or it may be anything that will inflate their egos and given them feelings of security. Emerson wrote, "The implanting of a desire indicates that its gratification is in the constitution of the creature that feels it." we have the ability to rise far above what we think we can. We have within us the answers if we but have the wisdom to seek those answers. And perhaps we should consider, even before we begin to seek, the wisest of all instructions, "With all your getting get understanding." Aho , Amen , e-men . *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - January 11 "Race and language makes no difference; the barriers are gone when persons can come together on high spiritual levels." --Rolling Thunder, CHEROKEE Not only are race and language barriers overcome by spirituality, but all things are overcome by spirituality. Inside every human being is the spirit. When we see people, we can choose to look at their outside or we can choose to look at their inside. Spirituality resides inside of others, we must be able to look at our own inside. If we see spirituality inside ourselves, we will see spirituality inside others. The saying is, "what you sees is what you gets." My Creator, let me see all my brothers and sisters through the spiritual eye. Aho , Amen , e-men . ________________________________________ God's Minute WHEN I SAID, "MY FOOT IS SLIPPING," YOUR LOVE, O LORD SUPPORTED ME. WHEN ANXIETY WAS GREAT WITHIN ME, YOUR CONSOLATION BROUGHT JOY TO MY SOUL. ( PSALM 94:18-19 *NIV ) Dear Member's, Whenever life throws you a curve, and you feel anxiety build up within, always turn to Jesus. For you may always: CAST ALL YOUR ANXIETY ON HIM FOR HE CARES FOR YOU. ( 1 PETER 5:7 ) After all Jesus Christ said: "DO NOT LET YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED. TRUST IN GOD; TRUST ALSO IN ME." ( JOHN 14:1 ) Therefore, "Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled." Let not your heart be troubled, Give your worries and cares to Me. I am your Heavenly Father Who suffered and died for thee. There are times throughout your Earthly life When you are filled with doubts and fear. Always come to Me in prayer And know that I am near. The love I have for you, dear child, Can never be bought or measured. It's a gift I freely give to you. It is My most precious treasure. When sorrow or pain come your way And life seems to be unfair, Let not your heart be troubled... Just come to Me in prayer. Have a great weekend Member's, and spend a little time doing something you really enjoy this weekend. Aho , Amen , e-men . In HIS Love & Service, Pastor CougarMoon

daily devotional 1/10/08

January 10 - Daily Feast When something in our minds rings a bell that warns us, we do well to listen. What is it that wants to lure us away from the chose path? Is it not from the good side? Then, run like a rabbit! Every one of us has a sounding board, as testing place that detects the way we are moving. Like a compass, it points the right way - and we are foolish not to understand - gohlga. To ignore the impressions that are within us is like trying to go through a door, but refusing to use the doorknob. It is one thing to be dense and another to be willfully determined to get lost in the wilderness. Listen to the alarm system. It is there for a good reason - and later on we won't have to say that something told us not to go a certain way and we didn't listen. ~ He hears voices other do not hear; sees visions that confirm his dreams. ~ EAGLE OLD MAN 'A Cherokee Feast of Days', by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - January 10 "We cannot escape remembering the important things that have happened, and we cannot escape the awareness of the important things that have not happened." --Ralph Salisbury, CHEROKEE There is a Master Plan. There are Natural Laws that run the universe. Everything on the earth has a purpose. Change is constant. That which is built is constantly being destroyed. That which is loose is being used to build new things. Nothing can be destroyed, only rearranged. Change will happen and every setback is only temporary. In other words, the Creator is in charge. We are not in charge. He designed the universe. He runs the universe and He will change what needs to be changed. As humans, it is easier for us to participate in all of this if we are spiritual. We need to be tuned in. Therefore, God gave us the spiritual concept of acceptance. When things change, we can change ourselves through the principle of acceptance. Great Spirit, let me live today in acceptance of Your will. Today let us do it Your way. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* 'THINK on THESE THINGS' By Joyce Sequichie Hifler Whenever we stop to consider where we are on the road of life, we might also think about why we are there. Whether it is success or failure, or wavering in the middle of the road, we are where we are because of someone or something. Nearly every person can pinpoint the time in their life when there was a turning point, a change for worse or for the better. And usually there is someone to whom they give the credit for such a change. Throughout our lives we contact many people, and they each leave an impression. As living continues the combination of all those thoughts and feelings and actions forms our opinions, our likes and dislikes, our fears and our loves. But there is one basic factor in all of this that turns us one way or other - the individual, the personal self. It is how we take life, what we expect, how we do our daily tasks, where we place our values that makes the difference. We are born with the right to choose - and whatever we choose there will always be someone there to help us be good or bad. But first, we must give credit where credit is due. Aho , Amen , e-men . *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - January 10 "We cannot escape remembering the important things that have happened, and we cannot escape the awareness of the important things that have not happened." --Ralph Salisbury, CHEROKEE There is a Master Plan. There are Natural Laws that run the universe. Everything on the earth has a purpose. Change is constant. That which is built is constantly being destroyed. That which is loose is being used to build new things. Nothing can be destroyed, only rearranged. Change will happen and every setback is only temporary. In other words, the Creator is in charge. We are not in charge. He designed the universe. He runs the universe and He will change what needs to be changed. As humans, it is easier for us to participate in all of this if we are spiritual. We need to be tuned in. Therefore, God gave us the spiritual concept of acceptance. When things change, we can change ourselves through the principle of acceptance. Great Spirit, let me live today in acceptance of Your will. Today let us do it Your way. Aho , Amen , e-men . ____________________________________ God's Minute SO THEN FAITH COMES FROM HEARING, AND HEARING BY THE WORD OF GOD. ( ROMANS 10:17 *NKJV ) Dear Member's, Just as our bodies' hunger and thirst, so do our souls. However our souls need Spiritual food and water. This food and water may be found in God's Word, the Holy Bible! FOR THE WORD OF GOD IS LIVING AND POWERFUL, AND SHARPER THAN ANY TWO-EDGED SWORD. ( HEBREWS 4:12 ) However Member's, reading the Bible not only nourishes our souls, it also helps us deal with everyday problems. We also gain knowledge and wisdom from God's Word. It even helps to bring us out of depression, anguish, and worry as well. What a wonderful book it is! Why not spend a little time each day reading it? You will find that each page you read will bring you a little closer to our Heavenly Father, and what a wonderful journey that is! After all Jesus' said: "MY MOTHER AND MY BROTHERS ARE THESE WHO HEAR THE WORD OF GOD AND DO IT." ( Luke 8:21 ) SO NOW, BRETHERN, I COMMEND YOU TO GOD AND TO THE WORD OF HIS GRACE, WHICH IS ABLE TO BUILD YOU UP AND GIVE YOU AN INHERITANCE AMONG ALL THOSE WHO ARE SANCTIFIED. Aho , Amen , e-men . ( ACTS 20:32-33 ) In HIS Love & Service, Pastor CougarMoon

daily devotional 1/9/08

Native Wisdom - Jan. 9 Cherokee Feast of Days By Joyce Sequichie Hifler Sometimes great distances exist between the high points of our lives. Time moves swiftly and we tend to let it slip away without making it count while we wait on another high experience. We discount it as nothing unless we have reached some spectacular height and have passed ten other people on the way. The Indian does not consider himself idle when he stands still watching, listening, seeing the stars, or watching the sunset. His spirit-eyes absorb these signs and wonders to feed him when he cannot see the rolling hills, the flowing streams. A narrow view is one that constantly asks, What shall I eat? What shall I wear? What can make me feel secure? And all the time, the beauty and peace which cost nothing surround us unnoticed. Envy and lack of inner joy rob us of our peace of mind. ~ O, listen! Hear! Sing with me, for I am joy. ~ CHEROKEE SONG ___________________________________________ Elder's Meditation of the Day - January 9 "So, with the Native way, it's not whether people find out about what you've done or not... that's not nearly as strong as having your source of morality within you, having your morality arise out of an inner perception of what is wrong, ridiculous, or shameful. You are your own judge." --Eunice Baumann-Nelson, Ph.D., PENOBSCOT Inside each of us is a voice. It is a quiet voice. It is a guiding voice. If we listen for it, it will guide us, and help us avoid disaster. It is especially active when we are afraid, when we are in doubt, when we are scared, when we need help, and when we get angry. If we are excited emotionally, it is hard to hear this voice. If we are angry, it's hard to hear this voice because it is usually quiet. The best thing we can do is to practice getting quiet. If we don't get quiet, there is another voice called the judge. It tells us to attack or say bad things to other people or to judge ourselves. This voice is loud and usually gets us into trouble. Creator, Great Mystery, help me listen for the quiet voice. Let me know this voice of Yours. Your ways are gentle. Guide me with this voice. Thank you. _______________________________________ THINK on THESE THINGS by Joyce Sequichie Hifler It takes such a little whiff of memory to carry us all the way back. Small things tucked here and there remind us of some place, some thing, some person who has played a special part in our lives. We want to go forward, try new things, know new people, visit new places, yet how nice to slip on those comfortable old slippers of the familiar bygones and remember loving faces and happy times. It is said that we should never return to places that have a sacred spot in our memories. Everything changes with time, so little remains recognizable to us. We begin to think that perhaps those hallowed places were not so wonderful as we remember. But they were, for in their time and that place it was as it should have been, happy and meaningful. They may have changed, but so have we. A little of every place and every person goes with us in the building of even happier times. We have not lost anyone or anything but it is the combination of all that we have lived and learned that builds our character and teaches us the way of life. Respect the elders... Work with the pack Hunt when you must... Share your affections Leave your mark... Teach the young Play when you can... Rest in between Voice your feelings Aho , Amen , e-men . ________________________________________ January 9 - Daily Feast Sometimes great distances exist between the high points of our lives. Time moves swiftly and we tend to let it slip away without making it count while we wait on another high experience. We discount it as nothing unless we have reached some spectacular height and have passed ten other people on the way. The Indian does not consider himself idle when he stands still watching, listening, seeing the stars, or watching the sunset. His spirit-eyes absorb these signs and wonders to feed him when he cannot see the rolling hills, the flowing streams. A narrow view is one that constantly asks, What shall I eat? What shall I wear? What can make me feel secure? And all the time, the beauty and peace which cost nothing surround us unnoticed. Envy and lack of inner joy rob us of our peace of mind. ~ O, listen! Hear! Sing with me, for I am joy. ~ CHEROKEE SONG 'A Cherokee Feast of Days', by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - January 9 "So, with the Native way, it's not whether people find out about what you've done or not... that's not nearly as strong as having your source of morality within you, having your morality arise out of an inner perception of what is wrong, ridiculous, or shameful. You are your own judge." --Eunice Baumann-Nelson, Ph.D., PENOBSCOT Inside each of us is a voice. It is a quiet voice. It is a guiding voice. If we listen for it, it will guide us, and help us avoid disaster. It is especially active when we are afraid, when we are in doubt, when we are scared, when we need help, and when we get angry. If we are excited emotionally, it is hard to hear this voice. If we are angry, it's hard to hear this voice because it is usually quiet. The best thing we can do is to practice getting quiet. If we don't get quiet, there is another voice called the judge. It tells us to attack or say bad things to other people or to judge ourselves. This voice is loud and usually gets us into trouble. Creator, Great Mystery, help me listen for the quiet voice. Let me know this voice of Yours. Your ways are gentle. Guide me with this voice. Thank you. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* 'THINK on THESE THINGS' By Joyce Sequichie Hifler It takes such a little whiff of memory to carry us all the way back. Small things tucked here and there remind us of some place, some thing, some person who has played a special part in our lives. We want to go forward, try new things, know new people, visit new places, yet how nice to slip on those comfortable old slippers of the familiar bygones and remember loving faces and happy times. It is said that we should never return to places that have a sacred spot in our memories. Everything changes with time, so little remains recognizable to us. We begin to think that perhaps those hallowed places were not so wonderful as we remember. But they were, for in their time and that place it was as it should have been, happy and meaningful. They may have changed, but so have we. A little of every place and every person goes with us in the building of even happier times. We have not lost anyone or anything but it is the combination of all that we have lived and learned that builds our character and teaches us the way of life. Aho , Amen , e-men . *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - January 9 "So, with the Native way, it's not whether people find out about what you've done or not... that's not nearly as strong as having your source of morality within you, having your morality arise out of an inner perception of what is wrong, ridiculous, or shameful. You are your own judge." --Eunice Baumann-Nelson, Ph.D., PENOBSCOT Inside each of us is a voice. It is a quiet voice. It is a guiding voice. If we listen for it, it will guide us, and help us avoid disaster. It is especially active when we are afraid, when we are in doubt, when we are scared, when we need help, and when we get angry. If we are excited emotionally, it is hard to hear this voice. If we are angry, it's hard to hear this voice because it is usually quiet. The best thing we can do is to practice getting quiet. If we don't get quiet, there is another voice called the judge. It tells us to attack or say bad things to other people or to judge ourselves. This voice is loud and usually gets us into trouble. Creator, Great Mystery, help me listen for the quiet voice. Let me know this voice of Yours. Your ways are gentle. Guide me with this voice. Thank you. Aho , Amen , e-men . __________________________________________________________ God's Minute GRACE TO YOU AND PEACE FROM GOD THE FATHER AND OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHO GAVE HIM- SELF FOR OUR SINS, THAT HE MIGHT DELIVER US FROM THIS PRESENT EVIL AGE.. ( GALATIANS 1:3-4 *NKJV ) Dear Member's, As you know, no one knows what the future holds for them, but the Children of God may have peace of mind! Our Heavenly Father has great plans for our future, not only on Earth, but in Heaven as well! For, IT IS WRITTEN: EYE HAS NOT SEEN, NOR EAR HEARD, NOR HAVE ENTERED INTO THE HEART OF MAN THE THINGS WHICH GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM. ( 1 CORINTHIANS 2:9 ) Therefore we have no reason to fear the future, for with God in charge, there is no need to worry about anything! For in this life when we have heartache and woe, He is always there to comfort and guide us, and in our next life, we will live with him in Paradise forever! No, we cannot imagine all of the wonderful things that God has planned for our future, but one thing that we may count on is that the best is yet to come! "FOR I KNOW THE THOUGHTS THAT I THINK TOWARD YOU," SAYS THE LORD, "THOUGHTS OF PEACE AND NOT OF EVIL, TO GIVE YOU A FUTURE AND A HOPE. " ( JEREMIAH 29:11 ) Therefore "THERE IS HOPE IN YOUR FUTURE," SAYS THE LORD! ( JEREMIAH 31:17 ) So have a wonderful Wednesday Member's, and may God's Great Love, Hope and Faith, fill your heart and mind, and may THE PEACE OF GOD, WHICH SURPASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING, GUARD YOUR HEART AND MIND THROUGH JESUS CHRIST. Aho , Amen , e-men ! ( PHILIPPIANS 4:7 ) In HIS Love & Service, Pastor CougarMoon

daily devotional

October 18 - Daily Feast The plain and simple doorstep has tremendous value. At any time of day or night it offers the finest view, the tranquil quiet of the autumn woods and the flickering pattern of dancing leaves. Sit here for a few moments and leaves drift down, a monarch butterfly feeds on a pot of petunias and wispy clouds show through holes in the trees' canopy. A few industrious ants are still at work around the doorstep and watching them slows the heart beat and paces the spirit. If it were not for this doorstep, much would slip by without notice. Peace would escape us, and time would be used in ways that took all and gave nothing. ~ I have learned a lot from the trees; sometimes about the weather, sometimes about animals, sometimes about the Great Spirit. ~ TATANGA MANI - STONEY 'A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II' by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - October 18 "But we have to stick by the wisdom of our ancestors..." --Paula Weasel Head, BLOOD A long time ago the Elders and our ancestors learned to walk on the Earth and to live in harmony. They were taught the Laws which govern everything, and they were taught traditional values. This wisdom should be made available to the younger generations. We need to speak to the Elders and learn from them. We need to do this so we can pass the knowledge on to our children. My Creator, help me learn the wisdom of my ancestors. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* 'THINK on THESE THINGS' By Joyce Sequichie Hifler I don't know what time it is, It may be very late, But I have dreams to dream and thoughts to think that simply cannot wait. I don't know what the weather is, it may be sun or snow. But in these books and at this time are things I need to know. I'm not so sure that I'm alone, or if there's someone there; It would be nice to hear a voice, for there is much to share. I don't need to know your faults, they may not be for me. No critic enters in this place, nor do my faults they see, For only One Pure Being knows the time, or shows through your dear face, Only the One Presence fills our hearts to share this quiet place. Aho , Amen , e-men . *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - October 18 "But we have to stick by the wisdom of our ancestors..." --Paula Weasel Head, BLOOD A long time ago the Elders and our ancestors learned to walk on the Earth and to live in harmony. They were taught the Laws which govern everything, and they were taught traditional values. This wisdom should be made available to the younger generations. We need to speak to the Elders and learn from them. We need to do this so we can pass the knowledge on to our children. My Creator, help me learn the wisdom of my ancestors. Aho , Amen , e-men . ___________________________________________________ God's Minute THEN I SAID, "HERE I AM, I HAVE COME--IT IS WRITTEN IN THE SCROLL. I DESIRE TO DO YOUR WILL, O MY GOD; YOUR LAW IS WITHIN MY HEART." ( PSALM 40:7-8 *NIV ) Dear Member's, God has a plan for each of us, for it is written: "I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU, SAYS THE LORD. "THEY ARE PLANS FOR GOOD, NOT FOR EVIL, TO GIVE YOU A FUTURE AND A HOPE." ( JEREMIAH 29:11 ) Now when we follow the path that God has for us, we find that God is a very kind leader. Only He knows our future, and His plans for us are good and full of hope! This does not mean that we will be spared pain, suffering, or hardship, but that God will see us through to a glorious conclusion! After all, THE PRECEPTS OF THE LORD ARE RIGHT, GIVING JOY TO THE HEART. THE COMMANDS OF THE LORD ARE RADIANT, GIVING LIGHT TO THE EYES. THEY ARE MORE PRECIOUS THAN GOLD, THAN MUCH PURE GOLD; THEY ARE SWEETER THAN HONEY, THAN HONEY FROM THE COMB. ( PSALM 19:8 & 10 ) Further, IF THE LORD DELIGHTS IN A MAN'S WAY, HE MAKES HIS STEPS FIRM; THOUGH HE STUMBLE, HE WILL NOT FALL, FOR THE LORD UPHOLDS HIM WITH HIS HAND. ( PSALM 37:23-24 ) So Member's, if you are not already walking the path that God has chosen for you, why not ask Him in prayer to lead you to it. For once you have found that path your heart will become filled with joy, and THE PEACE OF GOD, THAT TRANSCENDS ALL UNDERSTANDING, WILL GUARD YOUR HEART AND MIND IN CHRIST JESUS. Aho , Amen , e-men! ( PHILIPPIANS 4:7 ) In HIS Love & Service, Pastor cougarmoon
for i have lost a very loved one in my life last night at 11pm who passed away to be with the great creator.my niece died last night who was 27yrs old.for i have both of my parents who are terminally ill and am worried very much about there health due to this great lose in our family..for i know you are not here this is for you.don't stand by my grave and weepfor i am not there i do not sleep i am a thousand winds that blow i am the diamonds glint on snow i am the sunlight on ripened grain i am the autumns rain.when you awaken in mornings hush i am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circle flight i am the soft stars that shine at night do not stand by my grave and cry i am not there i did not die.THE AMERICAN INDIAN PRAYER OH GREAT SPIRIT,WHOSE VOICE I HEAR IN THE WINDS,AND WHOSE BREATH GIVES LIFE TO ALL THE WORLD-HEAR ME-I COME BEFORE YOU,ONE OF YOUR CHILDREN.I AM SMALL AND WEAK.I NEED YOUR STRENGTH AND WISDOM.LET ME WALK IN BEAUTY AND MAKE MY EYES EVER BEHOLD THE RED AND PURPLE SUNSET.MAKE MY HANDS RESPECT THE THINGS YOUR HANDS HAVE MADE,MY EARS SHARP TO HEAR YOUR VOICE.MAKE ME WISE,SO THAT I MAY KNOW THE THINGS YOU HAVE TAUGHT MY PEOPLE,THE LESSON YOU HAVE HIDDEN IN EVERY LEAF AND ROCK.I SEEK STRENGTH NOT TO BE SUPERIOR TO MY BROTHERS,BUT TO BE ABLE TO FIGHT MY GREATEST ENEMY,MYSELF.MAKE ME EVER READY TO COME TO YOU,WITH CLEAN HANDS AND STRAIGHT EYES,SO WHEN LIFE FADES AS A FADING SUNSET,MY SPIRIT MAY COME TO YOU WITHOUT SHAME. RIP MY BEAUITFUL MELLISSA BROOKE RICKETTS 9/11/07 KNOW THAT YOUR ARE DEEPLY LOVED AND MISSED. LOVE YOUR UNCLE PASTOR COUGARMOON

daily devotion 5/5/07

Elder's Meditation of the Day - June 5 "It is not through the great skill of the hunter himself that success is achieved, but through the hunter's awareness of his place in Creation and his relationship to all things." --Thomas Yellowtail, CROW If only the human being could understand the power of proper relationships, the need for power and control could be abandoned. It's not what is going on that matters, but how we look at what is going on. It's our relationship to it that counts. Nothing in the world has any meaning except the meaning we give to it. To be more effective at this, we need to consider our relationship with the Creator. Our relationship to the Great Spirit determines how we will perceive the meanings we put to places, people, institutions and things. We need to let the Creator tell us and guide our thoughts about these relationships. Any relationship that we have that is causing problems means we need to pray for a new point of view. Creator, let me see the world and the people through your eyes. Aho , Amen , e-men . GRANDFATHER¢S PRAYER FOR TODAY Great Spirit Help me to become a strong RAINBOW WARRIOR "When the Earth is sick, the animals will begin to disappear, when that happens, The Warriors of the Rainbow will come to save them." Chief Seattle, Dwamish Aho , Amen , e-men . War does not determine who is right, war determines who is left. If you have a chance to make life better for others and fail to do so, you are wasting your time on Earth. No matter what our station in life, we are here to serve, even if that sometimes means making the greatest sacrifice of all. Aho , Amen , e-men . As I Walk with Beauty As I walk, as I walk The universe is walking with me In beauty it walks before me In beauty it walks behind me In beauty it walks below me In beauty it walks above me Beauty is on every side As I walk, I walk with Beauty. Aho , Amen , e-men . The Moccasins of an Old Man I hung you there, moccasins of worn buckskin. I hung you there and there you are still. I took you from the hot flesh of a swift buck. I took you to my woman. She tanned you with buck brains. She cut and sewed and beaded. I wore you with pride. I wore you with leaping steps over many grounds. Now, I sit here and my bones are stiff with many winters. You hang there and I shall sit. We shall watch the night approach. Aho , Amen , e-men . The Circle Of Life Oh Great Spirit Of the Indian People Hear my words For they are words that come From the heart, soul and mind. Oh Great Spirit Be my mind, Be my eyes, Be my ears, Be my heart, Be my soul, So that I may walk With dignity and pride. Oh Great Spirit Of the Indian People Know of me. For I am of your people. I am Indian, An Indian of the Circle of Life A prisoner of War In my own Land! Oh Great Spirit, Of the Indian people, Hear my words For they are for you. They are of you. You are my way of life In the Circle of Life. Aho , Amen , e-men . Earth Teach Me to Remember Earth teach me stillness as the grasses are stilled with light. Earth teach me suffering as old stones suffer with memory. Earth teach me humility as blossoms are humble with beginning. Earth Teach me caring as the mother who secures her young. Earth teach me courage as the tree which stands alone. Earth teach me limitation as the ant which crawls on the ground. Earth teach me freedom as the eagle which soars in the sky. Earth teach me resignation as the leaves which die in the fall. Earth teach me regeneration as the seed which rises in the spring. Earth teach me to forget myself as melted snow forgets its life. Earth teach me to remember kindness as dry fields weep in the rain. Aho , Amen , e-men . God's Minute GOD IS OUR REFUGE AND STRENGTH, AN EVER-PRESENT HELP IN TROUBLE. ( PSALM 46:1 *NIV ) Dear Member's, Now we all have troubles in our life once in a while! When we do we may always count on our Heavenly Father's help, no matter what we may be facing. For God has promised: CALL ON ME IN THE DAY OF TROUBLE; AND I WILL DELIVER YOU. ( PSALM 50:15 ) After all we may feel, HARD PRESSED ON EVERY SIDE, BUT NOT CRUSHED; PERPLEXED, BUT NOT IN DESPAIR; PERSECUTED, BUT NOT ABANDONED; STRUCK DOWN, BUT NOT DESTROYED. ( 2 CORINTHIANS 4:8-9 ) because our Heavenly Father is always with us. For when we are weary, God has promised: I WILL REFRESH THE WEARY AND SATISFY THE FAINT. ( JEREMIAH 31:25 ) After all, HE GIVES STRENGTH TO THE WEARY AND INCREASES THE POWER OF THE WEAK. ( ISAIAH 40:29 ) Further, even when we become brokenhearted He Ministers to us, for it is written: HE HEALS THE BROKENHEARTED AND BINDS UP THEIR WOUNDS. ( PSALM 147:3 ) So Member's, never let life's troubles get you down. Just remember the words of our Savior Jesus Christ, for He said: "DO NOT LET YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED. TRUST IN GOD; TRUST ALSO IN ME." ( JOHN 14:1 ) FINALLY, BE STRONG IN THE LORD AND IN HIS MIGHTY POWER. ( EPHESIANS 6:10 ) For God has said: "DO NOT FEAR, FOR I AM WITH YOU; DO NOT BE DISMAYED, FOR I AM YOUR GOD. ( ISAIAH 40:10 ) Aho , Amen , e-men !!!!!!! In HIS Love & Service, Pastor Cougarmoon

daily devotion 5/30/07

May 30 - Daily Feast The past is ripe with wisdom and knowledge because it brings to the heart the reasons for many things we did not understand then. Search among the memories for the sharp stones that hurt so much you covered them as in a grave. Shame whispered to hide them - but wisdom would have said to use them for good. One day you will say that it used to matter but it no longer rules. You can free yourself by taking old humiliations and using them like keys to open your own treasure boxes. And then you will love in a whole different and more wonderful way. ~ The red man must leave the land of his youth and find a new home. ~ SHABONEE - POTAWATOMI, 1800's "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - May 30 "Power comes and goes. It can vanish in the twinkling of an eye, like smoke dissolving in the air." --Archie Fire Lame Deer, LAKOTA The East, South, West and North are the powers of the four directions. The Creator makes these powers available to do things. We pray to the Creator to give us the power to do these things. Often, we are given these powers for a while, then these powers disappear. Power is given and taken from us by the Great Spirit, the source of power. During the time we have this power, we should be responsible and use the power in a good way. Many good things can be accomplished when we realize where this power really comes from. Great Spirit, today, show me how to use Your power. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* THINK on THESE THINGS By Joyce Sequichie Hifler Everyone must have a way of life. The home, the position, the social level, the health of the body and of the emotions are all part of daily living. But beyond that there must be a reason, a way of life. We must believe in something, live by something, and have a shelter within ourselves where there are no pretenses. Life cannot be one carefree round of living on the surface. It is a thing of depth and width and height, and full of avenues never investigated. Like the body, it is made up of many parts. Beneath the skin there must beat a heart, a network of nerves, the strength of muscles, and much we cannot begin to explain. As the body depends upon the heart, we must have in our lives something to depend upon, something with which to identify ourselves. There must be a central point, a hitching post to keep all of life running smoothly. We need something to help us retreat as well as to go forward. We must have something to live by, as well as something for which we would willingly die. We need divine wisdom to see, and the strength to break away, those almost invisible fingers of possessiveness that grip our lives. We do not simply live, we live because. We live because of others, because of beautiful things and times and places. We live because God gave us life, to be happy in, and to find a special way. Aho , Amen , e-men . *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* May 28 - Daily Feast We tend to believe others are threats to our security-our personal gu da lv to. There has never been a time when so much threatens - but any Indian will tell you your security lies within you. The Cherokee learns from animals in the wild. A sharp eye and a stealthy step cannot rouse wildlife when it has vanished into its own absence - in the spirit-sense. Perfect silence negates hostility and excitement - those things that stir danger in any area. We know this is true when we pass someone we know well and they never see us - we are not present to their senses. ~ I think we will still win. I think there are enough people who want to understand the Indian mind. ~ AN INDIAN GRANDFATHER "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - May 28 "The land is a sacred trust held in common for the benefit of the future of our nations." --Haida Gwaii - Traditional Circle of Elders The Creator made the Earth to support life so that life would continue to reproduce, everything would support one another, and future generations would have the same benefits of supply and beauty as the generations the proceeded them. This cycle will only continue to the degree that we make choices and decisions for the future generations. Today, we are too greedy and selfish. We are cheating our children, grandchildren and the children unborn. Creator, let me see the consequences of my decisions, and show me how to make healthy corrections. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* THINK on THESE THINGS By Joyce Sequichie Hifler In those moments when we quietly sit with mind centered on the fact that God is only good, and that no situation devious or twisted in appearance, has any power except that which we give it by dwelling on how terrible it is - then, there is hope. If we can become quiet enough in our own minds to know God is good, it will produce one of those times of sweet serenity that settles like an invisible veil between us and our troubles. In those moments of growth and faith will come peace that passes all understanding. It is good to live an active life, but some of life's most productive moments are not when the mind and body are hurled through hectic hours at a furious pace. Life offers many tender and beautiful times that demand nothing and give only a quiet calm that will never come in pill form. Contrary to the belief in any power except God's, there is a happy medium. It does not come simply by demanding, and there are times when it can be touched on only so briefly. But even in our sore travails there is a time when life finds balance and we live in harmony with God's laws. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* If you have a chance to make life better for others and fail to do so, you are wasting your time on Earth. No matter what our station in life, we are here to serve, even if that sometimes means making the greatest sacrifice of all. Aho , Amen , e-men . Elder's Meditation of the Day - May 30 "Power comes and goes. It can vanish in the twinkling of an eye, like smoke dissolving in the air." --Archie Fire Lame Deer, LAKOTA The East, South, West and North are the powers of the four directions. The Creator makes these powers available to do things. We pray to the Creator to give us the power to do these things. Often, we are given these powers for a while, then these powers disappear. Power is given and taken from us by the Great Spirit, the source of power. During the time we have this power, we should be responsible and use the power in a good way. Many good things can be accomplished when we realize where this power really comes from. Great Spirit, today, show me how to use Your power. Aho , Amen , e-men . God's Minute IS ANY ONE OF YOU IN TROUBLE? HE SHOULD PRAY. IS ANYONE HAPPY? LET HIM SING SONGS OF PRAISE. IS ANY ONE OF YOU SICK? HE SHOULD CALL THE ELDERS OF THE CHURCH TO PRAY OVER HIM AND ANOINT HIM WITH OIL IN THE NAME OF THE LORD. FOR THE PRAYER OF A RIGHTEOUS MAN IS POWERFUL AND EFFECTIVE. ( JAMES 5:13; 14 & 16 *NIV ) Dear Member's, One of the most powerful things on this Earth is "The Power Of Prayer!" For, THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE ON THE RIGHTEOUS AND HIS EARS ARE ATTENTIVE TO THEIR CRY; THE RIGHTEOUS CRY OUT, AND THE LORD HEARS THEM; HE DELIVERS THEM FROM ALL THEIR TROUBLES. ( PSALM 34:15 & 17 ) So let us not forget to speak to God in prayer today, and thank Him for all He has done for each of us! Let us also pray for those who are suffering, or are going through trials and tribulations in their lives! Let us pray for each other as well, and ask God to fill us with His Love, Hope, and Faith! Therefore Member's, I KNEEL BEFORE THE FATHER, I PRAY THAT OUT OF HIS GLORIOUS RICHES HE MAY STRENGTHEN YOU WITH POWER THROUGH HIS SPIRIT IN YOUR INNER BEING, SO THAT CHRIST MAY DWELL IN YOUR HEARTS THROUGH FAITH AND I PRAY THAT YOU, BEING ROOTED AND ESTABLISHED IN LOVE, MAY HAVE POWER, WITH ALL THE SAINTS, TO GRASP HOW WIDE AND LONG AND HIGH AND DEEP IS THE LOVE OF CHRIST, AND TO KNOW THIS LOVE THAT SURPASSES KNOWLEDGE --THAT YOU MAY BE FILLED TO THE MEASURE OF ALL THE FULLNESS OF GOD. Aho , Amen , e-men ! ( EPHESIANS 3:14; 16; 18-19 ) Have a great day Member's, and remember that God smiles every time He thinks about you! In His Love & Service, Pastor cougarmoon

daily devotional

Health fills the body and eager anticipation absorbs the person who see the blue, blue sky and gives thanks. The sky is the flyway of the bird, whose freedom is to light and go at will, who swiftly builds a nest and lines it with soft down to cradle tiny eggs. When evening shadows fall upon the earth and a lone jet cuts the puffy clouds with straight lines, it does not bother the birds. They chirp and murmur night sounds and settle down to sleep. Only the owl and the nightingale call in mysterious tones. And sometimes the mockingbird, having recorded too many songs, must relieve itself with a midnight medley. ~ We forget and think we are all there is. ~ Jane Sequichie Hifler "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - May 14 "Prayer is the best answer to all of the trials that face us, because without prayer, even if we succeed in accomplishing some great goal in the eyes of men, we have failed in our sacred responsibilities, and thus we have failed in what is truly important." --Thomas Yellowtail, CROW What are our sacred responsibilities? One is to be of maximum service to the Creator, and two is to serve the people. In a way, it's like the Great Spirit is the employer and we are the employees. We live each day, do what we do, accomplish our goals, face our difficulties, overcome them all to the Glory of the Creator. We do these things to make Him proud! Even if we work for a company, agency or tribe, they are not really our employer; the Creator is our employer. Working for the Creator is better than working for a human being, because each night we can talk to the Creator and ask Him, "Well, how did I do today?" He answers back each night, "I'm proud of you, my child; sleep well, and in the morning I'll give you a new set of growing experiences." Great Spirit, today, let me work for you. You will be my new boss. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* THINK on THESE THINGS By Joyce Sequichie Hifler In every society there always seem to be people who feel it is their duty to read the riot act to whomever, in their opinion, is in need of it at the moment. Come be my friend until I have time to let you know the things you're doing wrong. This is a committee of one, in all my busy days....taking time to straighten out all who are not conforming to my ideas. Who, in all the world, has so much wisdom as to consider themselves so forever right.... To be capable of such certainty as to what another person should do. And even if they should be right, who commissioned them in all their wisdom to speak the words that have such power to wither a spirit. When the world has so much hurt, why should one voice be raised against another who has not spoken an unkind word in its direction. When even the strongest is so in need of compassion and love, why is one voice, sharp and edged and driven deep, allowed to speak. Our words can build or destroy. And we never really know just when something we say may make a decision for someone else, to give them courage or further fear. But God help all who have not learned that the words we speak come back to us....many times. Aho , Amen , e-men . *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* May 13 - Daily Feast Ana sk'tee - the month of May, the beautiful month when much has been planted and will be planted. We pray for sunshine and showers of rain, for the opportunity to cultivate and start anew. Ana sk'tee for the soul. May is be as beautiful as the season and as thrilling as the shimmering plums along the ridges that waft perfume and fluttering petals. Springs will spout water to the deeper places for an abundance of fish and the birds will sing in harmony. We truly are God's children; let us be grateful. ~ There was but one ruling power, and that was good. ~ STANDING BEAR, 1933 "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - May 13 "But the Great Spirit has provided you and me with an opportunity for study in nature's university, the forests, the rivers, the mountains, and the animals which include us." ---- Walking Buffalo, STONEY What we really need to learn is how to live life. Nature is the greatest university when we want to learn about balance, harmony, the Natural Laws and how to live life. But we will never learn unless we spend time in the "living university." Nature is full of examples, lessons, and exercises about life. Nature will help humans learn. Nature will help humans heal. Nature will help with Medicine, knowledge and healing. The reason our Elders are so wise is because they have attended the right educational system - nature's university. Great Spirit, help me to become wise. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* THINK on THESE THINGS By Joyce Sequichie Hifler So often it is difficult to know where the line lies between kindness and domineering. It doesn't sound as if the two could possibly mix, but sometimes in our watchfulness over those we care about we're inclined to think it a kind of goodness when it actually becomes domineering. It is often the best and kindest thing to let the others think for themselves. Even though the helpfulness is of love, it can be smothering to the ones who want to breathe freely, even of their own problems. Concern can turn to possessiveness in the space of a moment and do it so subtly it is almost impossible to comprehend. All individuals have the right to make their own mistakes and also the undeniable right to correct those mistakes. It makes help appreciated when it comes and then help is recognized as help and not as ownership. If we were all told what to do, it would relieve us of the burden of the responsibility of thinking, planning, or making decisions. Our lives would be literally free of care. And there are those among us who love to direct the traffic of other people's lives. But have you notices how detestable it is to them to have the smallest suggestion made concerning their own? What a display of vanity! There are always sycophants, or "apple polishers", if you will, who fawn and flatter the vanity. But to have one's vanity built to great heights is not always an act of love, but more often subtle scorn. Love is the only force against vanity. Love does not wish to command, but only to serve. If love cannot tell the truth it does not speak. Vanity separates, love joins. Love does not ask that another take the responsibility, but it asks only the strength to bear it. Aho , Amen , e-men . *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* We need to practice controlling our focus on whatever we wish to attain in life What we focus and practice doing we can usually do. We become what we focus on becoming and we develop and practice. Musicians are not born they are developed by focusing on their craft and by daily practice..Good Leaders are not born they are developed..Success in business is not given it is earned through focus and development.. Anyone can become a parent but good parenting takes focus and practice..Anything we are successful at we become successful through our focus and practice.. We need to maintain our focus and practice doing those things we wish to become more proficient at and not deviate. We need to practice controlling our focus and keeping our thinking focused... Each of us must focus and practice what we wish to develop more fully or maintain.... Without focus and continuous practice even those things we were once successful at will decay and we will no longer be as proficient as we once were.. If you have a chance to make life better for others and fail to do so, you are wasting your time on Earth. No matter what our station in life, we are here to serve, even if that sometimes means making the greatest sacrifice of all. Aho , Amen , e-men . Elder's Meditation of the Day - May 14 "Prayer is the best answer to all of the trials that face us, because without prayer, even if we succeed in accomplishing some great goal in the eyes of men, we have failed in our sacred responsibilities, and thus we have failed in what is truly important." --Thomas Yellowtail, CROW What are our sacred responsibilities? One is to be of maximum service to the Creator, and two is to serve the people. In a way, it's like the Great Spirit is the employer and we are the employees. We live each day, do what we do, accomplish our goals, face our difficulties, overcome them all to the Glory of the Creator. We do these things to make Him proud! Even if we work for a company, agency or tribe, they are nor really our employer; the Creator is our employer. Working for the Creator is better than working for a human being, because each night we can talk to the Creator and ask Him, "Well, how did I do today?" He answers back each night, "I'm proud of you, my child; sleep well, and in the morning I'll give you a new set of growing experiences." Great Spirit, today, let me work for you. You will be my new boss. Aho , Amen , e-men . Elder's Meditation of the Day - May 13 "But the great spirit has provided you and me with an opportunity for study in nature's university, the forests, the rivers, the mountains, and the animals which include us." ---- Walking Buffalo, STONEY What we really need to learn is how to live life. Nature is the greatest university when we want to learn about balance, harmony, the Natural Laws and how to live life. But we will never learn unless we spend time in the "living university." Nature is full of examples, lessons, and exercises about life. Nature will help humans learn. Nature will help humans heal. Nature will help with Medicine, knowledge and healing. The reason our Elders are so wise is because they have attended the right educational system - nature's university. Great Spirit, help me to become wise. Aho , Amen , e-men . Code Of Ethics 1. Rise with the sun to pray. Pray alone. Pray often. The Great Spirit will listen, if you only speak. 2. Be tolerant of those who are lost on their path. Ignorance, conceit, anger, jealousy and greed stem from a lost soul. Pray that they will find guidance. 3. Search for yourself, by yourself. Do not allow others to make your path for you. It is your road, and yours alone. Others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you. 4. Treat the guests in your home with much consideration. Serve them the best food, give them the best bed and treat them with respect and honor. 5. Do not take what is not yours whether from a person, a community, the wilderness or from a culture. It was not earned nor given. It is not yours. 6. Respect all things that are placed upon this earth - whether it be people or plant. 7. Honor other peoples' thoughts, wishes and words. Never interrupt another or mock or rudely mimic them. Allow each person the right to personal expression. 8. Never speak of others in a bad way. The negative energy that you put out into the universe will multiply when it returns to you. 9. All persons make mistakes. And all mistakes can be forgiven. 10. Bad thoughts cause illness of the mind, body and spirit. Practice optimism. 11. Nature is not for us, it is a part of us - part of your worldly family. 12. Children are the seeds of our future. Plant love in their hearts and water them with wisdom and life's lessons. When they are grown, give them space to grow. 13. Avoid hurting the hearts of others. The poison of your pain will return to you. 14. Be truthful at all times. Honesty is the test of ones will within this universe. 15. Keep yourself balanced. Your Mental self, Spiritual self, Emotional self, and Physical self - all need to be strong, pure and healthy. Work out the body to strengthen the mind. Grow rich in spirit to cure emotional ails. 16. Make conscious decisions as to who you will be and how you will react. Be responsible for your own actions. 17. Respect the privacy and personal space of others. Do not touch the personal property of others - especially sacred and religious objects. This is forbidden. 18. Be true to yourself first. You cannot nurture and help others if you cannot nurture and help yourself first. 19. Respect others religious beliefs. Do not force your belief on others. 20. Share your good fortune with others. Participate in charity. Code Of Ethics Yes, this is our code, that we were taught as children. It is not usually given out for others. I don't know why. It is taught around the camp fire. Stressed to be a walk with the Great Spirit. I can't always walk in the mocs that are laid before me but I do try. This is what we couldn't understand. They told us that we must cut our hair, yet they showed us a picture of Jesus that we must follow and his hair was long. They told us that to fight for our rights and beliefs was wrong, yet they sang a song Onward Christian Soldier. They told us to be giving, yet when we shared our things they called us foolish. Why don't they do as they teach. Why do they come to us for freedom of religion, yet our religion can not be practiced anymore, because it is wrong and pagan. Yet we believe in the Great Creator. Why do they say we worship the trees and the rocks. When they also say that their God is in everything and everywhere. Is this not the same? Walk each day as there is a prayer in your steps and you will not be far from the creator. Here is something I always told my children when they had a decision to make. It doesn't make any difference if the decision is large, important, or small. No one can walk in your moccasins for you, they can walk with you, but not for you. If you have a chance to make life better for others and fail to do so, you are wasting your time on Earth. No matter what our station in life, we are here to serve, even if that sometimes means making the greatest sacrifice of all. Aho , Amen , e-men . TWO EAGLES TWO EAGLES SOARED IN SPIRIT DREAMS, THEY TRIED TO REACH THE SUN SIDE BY SIDE THEY FREELY SOARED,THEIR JOURNEY JUST BEGUN. THEY SOARED UNTIL THE BREAK OF DAY THEN SOARED THROUGH THE NIGHT THEY SOARED PAST THE STARLIT MOON WITH STARDUST IN THEIR FLIGHT ALTHOUGH THEY SAW THROUGH DIFFERENT EYES, THE LIGHT SOURCE WAS THE SAME. IT BATHED AND WARMED THEM BOTH THROUGH LIFE AND KNEW THEM BOTH BY NAME. ONE EAGLE SAID, "YOU DON"T SEE LIGHT EXACTLY AS I DO.... SEE THROUGH MY EYES AND NOT THROUGH YOURS,,, OR A WING I'LL PULL FROM YOU! "THIS CANNOT BE,WHAT CAN YOU MEAN,WITHOUT A WING I'LL "DIE. I'LL FALL TO THE EARTH,NO LIGHT I'LL SEE,NO LONGER WILL I FLY". "UNLESS YOU SEE THROUGH MY EYES,YOU'LL DIE ANYWAY! SO I'LL JUST PULL YOUR WING OFF NOW,AND SEND YOU ON YOUR WAY! THE EAGLES WING HE THEN DID PLUCK AND SMILED UP TO THE SUN. "I, SAVED ONE MORE FROM SEEING LIGHT THROUGH EYES NOT MINE....IT'S DONE. THE SUN LOOKED DOWN,AND IT DID FROWN AT WHAT THE EAGLE DID, AND CRIED TEARS OF WHITE-HOT GRIEF, FROM TEARS THE EAGLE HID. "MY HEART IS BROKE BY WHAT YOU'VE DONE,YOU'VE PLUCKED THEM FROM THE LIGHT. "I, SHINE MY LIGHT FOR ALL TO SEE, I LOVE THEM WITH MY MIGHT!!! "YOUR EYES ARE YOUR'S TO SE THE LIGHT THE WAY YOUR EYES WILL SEE, HOW OTHER'S SEE THE LIGHT THROUGH THEIRS,IS THEIRS....NOW LET THEM BE! If you have a chance to make life better for others and fail to do so, you are wasting your time on Earth. No matter what our station in life, we are here to serve, even if that sometimes means making the greatest sacrifice of all. Aho , Amen , e-men . Four Sacred Directions in the Universal Circle of LifeFour Sacred Directions in the Universal Circle of Life, are observed in the Cherokee Tradition. Each represents a specific color, direction, attribute of learning focus, and path to follow.This clockwise circle represents the spiral of life, with the directional energy that influences it. The Center is for the Creator, and the Four Directions of the Universal Circle. The Four Directions provide guidance in understanding our behaviors and directions. The Directions provide us balance and we must find the harmony in relationship to all that exists in our environment.The Four Directions also connect us with the spirit of the animals and birds as our brothers and sisters in the Universal Circle. In traditional teachings, the circle represents an omni-present energy that exists in the universe - which is, the never-ending Circle of Life.EAST SOUTH WEST NORTHColor - RedDirection - SpiritualPath of Sun Color - WhiteDirection - NaturalPath of Peace Color - BlackDirection - PhysicalPath of Introspect Color - BlueDirection - MentalPath of defeat If you have a chance to make life better for others and fail to do so, you are wasting your time on Earth. No matter what our station in life, we are here to serve, even if that sometimes means making the greatest sacrifice of all. Aho , Amen , e-men . Everyday is Mother's Day. Modern society sets aside one day a year to recognize and honor our mothers, but in the old ways, we are taught that every day is Mother's day. Every day is another opportunity to let our elders know how much we appreciate and value the lessons they bring to us...even when the lessons are hard. The same applies to Father's day. So I wish to say to every female who walks this path with us that we honor you each day. Whether you have children or not (even if they are four-legged, winged ones, or water creatures) your contribution to this world does not go unnoticed. Mothers, sisters, aunts, daughters, all of you are beautiful. All of you are indepensible, for without you there would be no family. I say this not just for today, but for every day. Thank you! And to the men who sometimes fill the capacity of both mother and father, you are incredible. We honor you today, as well as each day. And I say thank you to all the fathers, uncles, and brothers for all you bring us. For without you there would be no family. I am humbled to be part of your lives. Wado, Waterbird aka Weighs The Truth If you have a chance to make life better for others and fail to do so, you are wasting your time on Earth. No matter what our station in life, we are here to serve, even if that sometimes means making the greatest sacrifice of all. Aho , Amen , e-men . Walk in Balance Our lives are made up of both positive and negative things and we need both to live.. When we think of positive things we think of smiling,laughing,eating wonderful tasting foods and many other delightful things..We think of bright lit areas when we think of positive things and we associate bright colors to things that are positive.. It is preferable to walk mostly on the sunny side of life the positive side but in order to more fully appreciate the good things in our life we do need to have a few not so good negative things to balance us out.. Light could not exist without darkness and good health could not exist with out a few bouts with bad health to make us more happy when we are feeling good..The negative side of life brings out the artistic side of us..Romeo and Juliet would not have been the great story it was if not for the negativity contained within it..Some of the greatest poems and songs are written due to the negative side of life.. The life and times of the worlds greatest human being Joshua Bar Joseph (Jesus) Praise be his name..would not have had the meaning the Creator intended if not for the negative things that were done to him..He would not have been the Son Of God if he did not conquer the negative side of life.. Sid Hartha, Lord Buddha),would not have become the great man he was if not for the negative things he saw and lived..Mohammed ,praise be his name,the prophet would not have been the man he was if not for the negative things that were happening around him.. Through out history the greatest leaders and holy men would not have been who they were if not for the negative things in their lives and their struggle to overcome those negative things made them who they were.. The negative things in our lives makes us greater than we would be if they did not exist.. When we say "Walk in Balance " we are referring to walking our trail of life keeping in balance the negative and positive things in our lives.. I wish you the wisdom to recognize the positive and negative things in your life and the ability to keep them in balance..Often negative things will mask themselves as positive things and sometimes things you think are positive are in reality negative things wearing a positive mask.. If you have a chance to make life better for others and fail to do so, you are wasting your time on Earth. No matter what our station in life, we are here to serve, even if that sometimes means making the greatest sacrifice of all. Aho , Amen , e-men . Deep Thoughts "I think the Spirit, is the one thing we have to rely on. It has been handed to us as a live and precious coal. And each generation has to make that decision whether they want to blow on that coal to keep it alive or throw it away... Our language, our histories and culture are like a big ceremonial fire that's been kicked and stomped and scattered...Out in the darkness we can see those coals glowing. But our generation, whether in tribal government or wherever we find ourselves--Choctaw, Cherokee, Chickasaw, Creek, Seminole--are coal gatherers. We bring the coals back, assemble them and breathe on them again, so we can spark a flame around which we might warm ourselves." If you have a chance to make life better for others and fail to do so, you are wasting your time on Earth. No matter what our station in life, we are here to serve, even if that sometimes means making the greatest sacrifice of all. Aho , Amen , e-men . God's Minute YOU, DEAR CHILDREN, ARE FROM GOD AND HAVE OVERCOME THEM, BECAUSE THE ONE WHO IS IN YOU IS GREATER THAN THE ONE WHO IS IN THE WORLD. ( 1 JOHN 4:4 *NIV ) Member's, Now when you are faced with a problem that seems to overwhelm you, remember to ask for God's help. After all; HE IS A SHIELD TO THOSE WHO TAKE REFUGE IN HIM. ( PROVERBS 30:5 ) Therefore do not let a person, place or thing trouble you. For; THE ETERNAL GOD IS YOUR REFUGE, AND UNDERNEATH ARE THE EVERLASTING ARMS. HE WILL DRIVE OUT YOUR ENEMY BEFORE YOU, SAYING DESTROY HIM. ( DEUTERONOMY 33:27 ) Now you may ask "what about satan bothering me." Well, He further promises us: "I HAVE GIVEN YOU AUTHORITY TO TRAMPLE ON [ SNAKES AND SCORPIONS* ] AND TO OVERCOME ALL THE POWER OF THE ENEMY." ( LUKE 10:19 ) *"Snakes and Scorpions" is an ancient Hebrew Idiom meaning evil spirits! So Member's, do not let others get you down! For you have the awesome power of God with you! Just remind yourself that: HE WHO IS IN YOU IS GREATER THAN HE WHO IS IN THE WORLD, as the first verse said. For then, THE PEACE OF GOD WHICH TRANSCENDS ALL UNDERSTANDING, will return to you once again! Aho , Amen, e-men . ( Philippians 4:7 ) This message is dedicated to all Mother's HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, MOM! FOR THIS IS WHAT THE LORD SAYS: "AS A MOTHER COMFORTS HER CHILD, SO WILL I COMFORT YOU." ( ISAIAH 66:13 *NIV ) Dear Member's, We can not measure the tremendous love that God has for His Children in human terms. However, I do believe the closest thing on Earth to that great love, is the love a Mother has for her child! Therefore, on this day we honor that special lady in our life, our Mother. So, LET YOUR FATHER AND YOUR MOTHER BE GLAD, AND LET HER WHO BORE YOU REJOICE, ( PROVERBS 23:25 ) and may she be filled with God's Love, Hope, Faith, and Peace today and everyday! The following was sent to me by one of our Brother's- In-Christ, some time ago. I feel that it is appropriate to share it with you today. It is called: Why are you crying, Mom? "Why are you crying?" he asked his Mom. "Because I'm a woman" she told him. "I don't understand," he said. His Mom just hugged him and said, "And you never will".......... Later the little boy asked his father, "Why does mother seem to cry for no reason? "All women cry for no reason" was all his dad could say........ The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why women cry... Finally he put in a call to GOD; when GOD got on the phone the man said, "GOD, why do women cry so easily?" and GOD said....... When I made woman, she had to be special. I made her shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the World; yet, gentle enough to give comfort.... I gave her an inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times comes from her children...... I gave her a hardness that allows her to keep going when everyone else gives up and take care of her family through sickness and fatigue without complaining...... I gave her the sensitivity to love her children under any and all circumstances, even when her child has hurt her very badly... This same sensitivity helps her to make a child's boo-boo feel better and shares in their teenagers anxieties and fears....... I gave her strength to carry her husband through his faults and fashioned her from his rib to protect his heart..... I gave her wisdom to know that a good husband never hurts his wife, but, sometimes tests her strengths and her resolve to stand beside him unfalteringly..... I gave her tears to shed. They are hers to use whenever she needs them. They are her secret strength. They make her more like ME..... ___________________________ In His Love & Service, Pastor cougarmoon

devotional

FOUR Nun ki' FLOWER MONTH Tsi law 'nee The Great Spirit made the Indians to be a single people, quite distinct from white men and for different purposes. TENSKAWATAWA - SHAWNEE PROPHET April 1 - Daily Feast, Volume II April! Golden girl of the year, clad in the newest shade of green with meadow skirts strewn with every color and cradling nests of baby birds close to your breast. Your jewels sparkle in the morning mist, long strands of dew drops draping the fence rows and turning to emeralds and rubies in early morning light. Tears come easily but you are often laughing as you move through a range of temperatures that gives the human spirit reason to celebrate. You are adored, sweet girl of spring, for life the way you serve it. ~ My heart is filled with joy when I see you here, as the brooks fill with water when the snow melts in spring. ~ PARRA-WA-SAMEN - COMANCHE, 1867 "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - April 1 "People think other things are more important than prayer, but they are mistaken." --Thomas Yellowtail, CROW An Elder once said the most important thing you can do in the course of a day is to pray. If we get up late or oversleep, which is more important? Rush to work without praying or pray first and then go to work? The Elders say it's more important to pray. If we get angry, should we act on our anger or should we pray first? The Elders say it's more important to pray first. If, during the day, we face indecision, what should we do? PRAY. If, during the day, we become irritated or we experience fear, what should we do first? PRAY. The Warrior who prays first will lead a different life from those who pray last. Great Spirit, teach me to pray first! *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* THINK on THESE THINGS By Joyce Sequichie Hifler Leisure - what is it? It is that beautiful something that escapes us most of the time. Leisure, like most everything else, can be found if we truly want it. We seem to have the ability to do most of what we set our minds to do, and the less important things can be set aside for this particular thing. We get pretty stale when we never take time to relax. A few hours of getting away from even a beloved madhouse will make a new human being out of a bundle of nerves. Pursuit of leisure is to lose it. We can't suddenly say that the next five minutes will be for complete relaxation. It takes that long to begin to unwind. Gaiety and rhythm and frivolity are shunned by most minds. But if there are none of these, even in the smallest amounts, then leisure is more of a restless shuffling - like a night out with no place to go. We need to exercise our minds a little to achieve and goal, and leisure is definitely a goal! Aho , Amen , e-men . *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* WAKINYAN (THUNDERBEINGS) KEYWORD-- ENERGY TRADITION. Inyan, Spirit of the Stone, created Wakinyan, who became the Thunderbeings, the force of electricity on the earth. Wakinyan is the spirit who controls the essence of the clouds, the motion of hurricanes, tornadoes, and storms. In the language of the Lakota people, Wa is the flying of the snow and Inyan is stone. Wakinyan is the physical electricity that comes from the water, the earth, and the air, building up to create thunder and lightning. Many tribes honour Thunderbeings, represented as the Thunderbird. Wakinyan flies without eyes, without ears, without mouth, without nose. Even in visions, no one can behold Wakinyan whole. Those to who he comes to in dreams do everything backward, Heyokas, sacred clowns Wakinyan is the force of truth: He strikes down anyone who lies while holding the Sacred Pipe. His spirit-eye opens with the flash of lightning and the sound of thunder. Message from Wakinyan. To know me, know the storms I bring, storms that cut like a knife through the building heat of the day. Know the raw power of the Lightning that flashes and sears. Know the sound of my voice as I call out when I am charged to do. I am created from Stone. In his wisdom Inyan sent me forth into the world to oversee the caretakers of Earth, to assist them in their role. I am like no human. I am electric energy, and I course through all things. My current cleanses and destroys. My great wings bring sudden and terrible winds. The raw energy from my eye changes the vision of a human. GUIDANCE and REFLECTION As we walk upon the earth let our natural polarities direct us. We can choose how to conduct our energies and where to direct and channel them. Using our own individual skills let our unique energy flow in the direction of the highest good. Let us be aware however, in which direction we cast our lightning bolts; taking care not to throw them in a haphazard manner. Careless use of energy may mean wasting our energy on projects irrelevant to our inner self. When energies are not wisely conserved but are short-circuited, a storm brews within, and we are more likely to throw our thunderbolts without control. There is an endless supply of energy. Wakinyan generates all that we need. All we have to do is ask for guidance and then get ready to throw our thunderbolt to illuminate the path forward. Affirmation. Through my spiritual eyes I will see the path laid out before me with clarity allowing my energy to be clear and focused. Aho , Amen , e-men . ------------------------------------------------- Dance to Heal the Earth Whenever you dance, wherever you dance, dance to heal the earth! Dancing is power. Dancing is prayer. Some say that all is dance. Maybe. Now there's a big dance coming, a dance to heal the earth. If you're reading this, you're probably part of it. You take part whenever you do whatever you do to help heal the earth. When you recycle. When you choose to show love, to fight for justice, to bring healing, to bring out what is good in others. When you avoid cruelty and dishonesty and waste. When you are outraged. When you speak out. When you give. When you consider the generations to come. When you protest to the oppressors and encourage those who feel the cutting edge of injustice. And, of course, when you dance. There is a tree that all the prophets see, and whenever you let your love show, you make the flowers grow. Soon this dance will be done in a big way, in the old way, on sacred ground. All living things will take part. If you want to, you can take part. No one is twisting your arm. You can stop any time you need to, and start up again whenever you're ready. If you've read this far, you probably know what I'm talking about. You've probably been doing it in one way or another for a good while. Soon will be the time to make no bones about it! Cut loose! Anytime you dance, anywhere, whether at a party or in church, dance to heal the earth! Let your feet beat a healing rhythm into the earth. Let your feet beat a strengthening rhythm for those who struggle the hardest. Let your feet beat a life-giving rhythm for all peoples, regardless of race or national boundary, regardless of whether we're human or whether we're the trees, the air, the fish, the birds, the buffalo, the bear, the crow. We come out of hiding, we come back from the dead, and we dance, and our dance is a prayer, and our songs and our rhythms and our breath give life. Is the music they're playing some mindless jingle? Never mind, as long as it's not bad music, and you can dance to the beat! Make your own words, and make the words a prayer. A prayer for the end of exploitation, a prayer for the end of lies, a prayer for healing, for justice, for life. Remember your prayer-song, feed it and let it get strong and pass it along. Dance and pray, whenever you dance, dance to heal the earth. Have you seen anything? Wear it out! Make it so that all can see what you see! Take a white T-shirt and mark it with your dreams. Is there anything you'd like to tell the world? Take your shirt and mark it with your song! This is the way it has been done, so you can do it too. Use any color except black (there are reasons for that that will become clearer later), and you'll probably find that a loose, pure cotton T is most comfortable for dancing in. Cos this is an actual dance, you dance hard, you sing and breathe hard and sweat. Wear it when you plan to go out dancing, to dance to heal the earth. Some people do this dance while fasting, and dance for several days straight. But even a few minutes of dancing helps, and joins with all the other dancing going on, everywhere on Earth. Not everyone can fast these days. Besides, you never know when you're gonna dance, and you have to eat sometimes! But if you plan to dance, hold off eating till later, or just have a little. It's easier to dance if you don't have a hotdog weighing you down. Some people say, do not do sacred things where people are drinking and partying. But all the universe is a sacred place. It really doesn't matter what others are doing, you can make a place sacred wherever you are, with your intention and your prayers. Some people use smoke to make a place sacred; a cigarette or incense stick will do fine. You can dance to heal the earth anywhere, even a party or a bar! The earth is everywhere, so you can dance anywhere to heal her. Only one thing. Please hold off drinking or using any other intoxicants till you're done. It works better that way. The Lie has gone far enough. It spreads and makes everyone sick. Now is the time for this dance to begin. It, too, will spread, and it will bring healing to all. In the beginning, they say, God put a rainbow in the sky, to let us know that Spirit never forgets. Now is the time for us to put a rainbow across the earth, to let God know that we, too, remember. Dance to heal the earth. Not just when you're dancing, but always. Live the dance, whenever you move, in all you do, dance to heal the earth. Aho , Amen , e-men . Earth Teach Me to Remember Earth teach me stillness as the grasses are stilled with light. Earth teach me suffering as old stones suffer with memory. Earth teach me humility as blossoms are humble with beginning. Earth Teach me caring as the mother who secures her young. Earth teach me courage as the tree which stands alone. Earth teach me limitation as the ant which crawls on the ground. Earth teach me freedom as the eagle which soars in the sky. Earth teach me resignation as the leaves which die in the fall. Earth teach me regeneration as the seed which rises in the spring. Earth teach me to forget myself as melted snow forgets its life. Earth teach me to remember kindness as dry fields weep in the rain. Aho , Amen . e-men . Great Spirit, God, Creator of All Great Spirit, God, Creator of All I welcome You into my heart, mind, body and soul There is always room for You here. Grant me the wisdom to heed my inner voice And the strength to stay grounded while I sing my sacred song. Guide me down my chosen path and give me the courage to pursue what is available to me. I am thankful for the lessons and grateful for my struggles; I have not forgotten what has brought me to where I am today. Open my heart to the healing wholeness of nature; We are all related, and through this I will find serenity. Great Spirit, God, Creator of All Cleanse my spirit and wash my soul. There is always room for You here. Aho , Amen , e-men . Great Spirit Prayer "Oh, Great Spirit, whose voice I hear in the wind, Whose breath gives life to all the world. Hear me; I need your strength and wisdom. Let me walk in beauty, and make my eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset. Make my hands respect the things you have made and my ears sharp to hear your voice Make me wise so that I may understand the things you have taught my people. Help me to remain calm and strong in the face of all that comes towards me. Let me learn the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock. Help me seek pure thoughts and act with the intention of helping others. Help me find compassion without empathy overwhelming me. I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother, but to fight my greatest enemy Myself. Make me always ready to come to you with clean hands and straight eyes. So when life fades, as the fading sunset, my spirit may come to you without shame. Aho , Amen , e-men . God's Minute AND MANY SPREAD THEIR CLOTHES ON THE ROAD, AND OTHERS CUT DOWN LEAFY BRANCHES FROM THE TREES AND SPREAD THEM ON THE ROAD. THEN THOSE WHO WENT BEFORE AND THOSE WHO FOLLOWED CRIED OUT HOSANNA! "BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!" ( MARK 11:8-9 *NKJV ) Dear Member's, Jesus' final week of His Earthly Ministry began with Him riding a donkey colt into the City and thus His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Thus fulfilling this Prophecy of Zechariah, REJOICE GREATLY, O DAUGHTER OF ZION! SHOUT O DAUGHTER OF JERUSALEM! BEHOLD, YOUR KING IS COMING TO YOU; HE IS JUST AND HAVING SALVATION, LOWLY AND RIDING A DONKEY, A COLT THE FOLD OF A DONKEY. ( ZECHARIAH 9:9 ) Remember, this was Sunday of the same week that Jesus would be crucified, and the great Passover Festival was about to begin! Jews came to Jerusalem from all over the Roman Empire during this week-long celebration, to worship and remember the great Exodus from Egypt. ( EXODUS 12:37-51 ) The same people who cried out "HOSANNA! BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD," changed their cries to "CRUCIFY HIM, CRUCIFY HIM!" before the week was over. ( MARK 11:9 & JOHN 19:6 ) So on this Palm Sunday we reflect on Christ's last few days in human form, and what a great price HE paid for our sins! FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, THAT WHO- EVER BELIEVES IN HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE. FOR GOD DID NOT SEND HIS SON INTO THE WORLD TO CONDEMN THE WORLD, BUT THAT THE WORLD THROUGH HIM MIGHT BE SAVED. ( JOHN 3:17-18 ) What a tremendous price and sacrifice that was! This is a true demonstration of how very much our Heavenly Father loves each one of us! So Member's, why not pause for a moment or two and Thank our Savior for what HE did for you, and me, and the rest of HIS Children as well. Why not also attend the Church of your choice, and tell HIM how much you love HIM, for that will make HIS Day! With My Love & Prayers, your servant , Pastor cougarmoon

devotional for 3/21/07

Other people have problems the same way we do. If the get loud about them, we don’t have to react. Resistance makes difficult times even more difficult to handle. It helps not to threaten but to let things cool down naturally. The Cherokee word for this is to hi ge se s di, making peace, or peace for the earth. Forgiveness seems to be a necessity for so many things that are wrong. Forgiveness never degrades but elevates, and is not to let someone else get away with something but to free ourselves from an entanglement. It frees us from bitter resentment that can make us sick – and can help heal the sickness if it is already there. Eventually, it makes us glad that we did not react, doing and saying things for which we would later be sorry. ~ They fight among themselves, but if you strike at them they will turn on you. ~ LITTLE CROW, 1951 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elder's Meditation of the Day - March 21 "The manner with which we walk through life is each man's most important responsibility, and we should remember this with every new sunrise." --Thomas Yellowtail, CROW Every spiritual person should carry a vision of God's will in every area of their life. One day at a time, each morning at sunrise, we should spend time praying to the Creator. We should say something like, my Creator, this morning I ask you to show me, in terms I can understand, what you have or me to do. By doing this daily, over time, we will develop an unquestionable vision. Each person is responsible for taking the time to do this. It will bring great joy and peace of mind to those warriors who do. My Creator, give me the vision, today, of what you want me to do. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THINK on THESE THINGS by Joyce Sequichie Hifler At night sometimes the world seems so topsy-turvy and you're so weary of doing things the same old way. Then nothing seems to please....You try desperately for something new and different, something that doesn't seem so much like you. Why? Tonight you are different. One cannot expect the world to be top side up all the time. Such perfection does not come so easily to human nature. And always there is a search for something new and different. A change of pace....that thought that I don't want to be me today, to think my thoughts and do my daily chores. I want to make a complete change now, to know a whole new way of life. And it is good to leave behind the many daily situations that sometimes stand too closely to be seen clearly, but to be wise enough to know which things should be left behind. There have been clean sweeps that have left behind the dearest things....and have taken along the same dreary, dark unhappy things of the mind that should have been left behind. A line from the prayer of serenity is "The wisdom to know the difference.. .." And wisdom says Samuel Taylor Coleridge, is common sense in an uncommon degree. If one has the wisdom to wait a bit, wait until morning - or several mornings - that uncommon degree of common sense will give us the wisdom to know the difference. Respect the elders... Work with the pack Hunt when you must... Share your affections Leave your mark... Teach the young Play when you can... Rest in between Voice your feelings Aho , Amen , e-men . "There's a deep wound in people-that they have been so cut off from the source of their being, their mother, their Earth Mother." When we are connected to the Earth Mother, or when we are clear on our purpose, we will feel connected and safe. We will feel love. When we are disconnected from the Earth Mother, or we don't know who we are or why we are, we will feel pain. It will be similar to a little child who has lost its Mother. We will hurt inside-we will be wounded within. If this happens to the whole community, the people will be very sad and lost. It will seem like there is death in the air. When this happens, it is time for ceremony and reconnection to God and Mother Earth. This is the time of prayer. Great Mystery, today, help me to stay connected to the Earth and to You, my Creator. If you have a chance to make lfe better for others and fail to do so, you are wasting your time on Earth. No matter what our station in life, we are here to serve, even if that sometimes means making the greatest sacrifice of all. Aho , Amen , e-men . March 21 - Daily Feast When time passes and nothing seems to change, we are afraid that we are caught in a whirlpool that takes us around and around and goes nowhere. We don't want to be pressed into a mold that keeps us from moving forward. Within us is the power to move mountains. Frustrations and confusion can glaze that power so we become negative - but we are powerhouses, and we can break through. We are children of Light and we cannot be held against our will. ~ The Tsa la gi [Cherokee] does not desire to be involved in war." "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - March 21 "The manner with which we walk through life is each man's most important responsibility, and we should remember this with every new sunrise." --Thomas Yellowtail, CROW Every spiritual person should carry a vision of God's will in every area of their life. One day at a time, each morning at sunrise, we should spend time praying to the Creator. We should say something like, my Creator, this morning I ask you to show me, in terms I can understand, what you have or me to do. By doing this daily, over time, we will develop an unquestionable vision. Each person is responsible for taking the time to do this. It will bring great joy and peace of mind to those warriors who do. My Creator, give me the vision, today, of what you want me to do. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* THINK on THESE THINGS By Joyce Sequichie Hifler A graphologist is a handwriting analysis expert who can take apart the loops and dashes of our penmanship and tell us about our nature. We have a natural curiosity about ourselves. We want to know whether our self-image is the true one. We often think we are capable of seeing another's true nature, but we seem to lack the ability to really know ourselves. In fact, so much about us reveals our disposition and temperament that it can be distressing. Our handwriting may tell us about our emotional nature, and we may learn that we are introverts by the slant of our letters, but much of our disposition can be self-analyzed by the way other people respond to us. It doesn't take a graphologist to tell us that if we are inconsistent in our friendliness, of the tongue alternates acid and honey, if we continually complain, continually gossip, criticize and pout, we are revealing a nature we too often think is hidden. Aho , Amen , e-men . *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* God's Minute HE HAS MADE EVERYTHING BEAUTIFUL IN ITS TIME. HE HAS ALSO SET ETERNITY IN THE HEARTS OF MEN; YET THEY CANNOT FATHOM WHAT GOD HAS DONE FROM THE BEGINNING TO END. ( ECCLESIASTES 3:11 *NIV ) Dear Member's, Now that Spring is here, and Summer approaches, we are surrounded with beauty indeed! Soon we will be surrounded WITH BEAUTIFUL LEAVES AND ABUNDANT FRUIT, PROVIDING FOOD FOR ALL, GIVING SHELTER TO THE BEASTS OF THE FIELD, AND HAVING NESTING PLACES IN ITS BRANCHES FOR THE BIRDS OF THE AIR. ( DANIEL 4:21 ) So why not take a little time this week to enjoy the beauty God has created for this time of year. For soon the flowers will appear, and the Countryside will be filled with colors of every shade. When that happens remember to thank God for His beautiful creation called "Spring." Also: Thank God for flowers of every hue From baby-pink roses to plumbago blue. The fragrance of jasmine enhances the night, And each water lily is a pearly delight. Magnolias by moonlight brings sweet memories As springtime awakens the blossoming trees. The common hibiscus brings uncommon joy, And shy violets are bashful and coy. Long-stemmed red roses are reasons to sing, And the frost-covered crocus usher in Spring. Lavender orchids decorate the prom, And pastel carnations pay tribute to Mom. Flowers bring comfort to pauper and king, For one cannot measure the pleasure they bring, From Easter-white lilies to plumbago blue Thank God for flowers of every hue! With My Love & Prayers, your servant , Pastor cougarmoon
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