A Cherokee Feast of Day
by Joyce Sequichie Hifler
Other people have no more power than we do. They may have the knack for making us think they can do anything. A little adjustment down in our minds will stop the thought that we must cope and compete with those who have greater advantages. If we believe anything holds us back, limits our ability, we can know beyond a doubt that more ability resides in us than we will ever have time to hone and develop. When we are doing something we love to do, it comes naturally to mind our own business and to polish our own skills. Love for the right work takes it out of the role of labor and competition and makes it into a work of art. Then, the little competitive self is dissolved into a powerful giant that didn't realize how much he was growing.
~ Your nation supposes that we, like the white people, cannot live without bread and pork and beer. But you ought to know that He, the Great Spirit and Master of Life has provided.... for us in these spacious lakes....and woody mountains. ~
PONTIAC, 1762
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Elder's Meditation of the Day - January 24
"Always listen to what the Elders say."
--Dona Josefa Medrano, HUICHOL, SIERRA MADRE, MEXICO
In school we have been taught to go to the encyclopedia when we need information about certain subjects. From the time we are little, we have a natural tendency to seek out role models. When we need information about living we tend to seek out books about living. These maybe self help books. The world is full of information. For the Native people, we have our Elders. All races have Elders. Our lives will run much smoother when we listen to the Elders. They don't always tell us what we want to hear but they always tell us what we need to hear. The Elders have the ability to make the truth sweet.
Creator,
thank You for the Elders.
Help me this day to listen to them.
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Morning Prayer:
Oh Great Spirit, Creator of all things;
Human Beings, trees, grass, berries,
Help us, be kind to us.
Let us be happy on earth.
Let us lead or children
To a good life and old age.
These our people; give them good minds
To love one another.
Oh Great Spirit,
Be kind to us.
Give these people the favour
To see green trees,
Green grass, flowers, and berries
This next spring;
So we all meet again.
Aho , Amen , e-men .pastor cougarmoon
