Monday, July 4, 2011
GRANNY'S GOODIES, GRIPES AND GROANS: FREEDOM--WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU?
GRANNY'S GOODIES, GRIPES AND GROANS: FREEDOM--WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU?: "TODAY IS INDEPENDENCE DAY: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both signed the Declaration of Independence on July 2, 1776. the National Holi..."
FREEDOM--WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU?
TODAY IS INDEPENDENCE DAY:
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both signed the Declaration of Independence on July 2, 1776. the National Holiday was declared on July 4, 1776.
Ironically 50 years later both of these "founding fathers" died on the same day just hours apart on July 4, 1826.
Today we celebrate our breaking away from British rule. This is only one kind of freedom.
I once read a story of a man who was shackled in a dark pit in Haifa, Israel. His name was Baha'u'llah. In Arabic his name means, "The Glory of God." Jesus the Christ told us in the Book of Revelations that He would send us a "comforter", and on Him He would write a NEW NAME. He said that the name would mean, "The Glory of the Lord." Baha'u'llah is that "comforter".
He spent most of His life being scourged, beaten, imprisoned and exiled from country to country and spent many years in "The Most Great Prison" in Akka where there were no windows, no running water and no facilities. This Holy man was forced to live among thieves and murderers. He did so without complaint, and His spirit soared because His "freedom" came from God.
It was while in this prison that He was visited by an angel who told Him that He was the new chosen divine messenger of God.
Baha'u'llah after being released from the "pit" was always under "house arrest" and was constantly scorned and had to suffer indignities and disbelief--much like Jesus the Christ. However, since God had manifested His Spirit into this human soul, Baha'u'llah had the power to withstand every kind of humiliation and degradation that the Clerics of that day as well as the Islamic Government could heap upon Him. He was constantly ridiculed and cursed at. In spite of this He had many staunch followers. He was most beloved by these brave souls who were putting their own lives at risk to be wherever He was, and to openly worship Him.
Baha'u'llah and the founder of the Babi Faith known as the Bab ( meaning "the Gate" in Arabic) were known as the "twin prophets". Bab declared his mission in 1844 and was much like Johm the Baptist who was the forerunner to Jesus the Christ. He came to tell the Jewish people that God had sent a new messenger. Many did not believe Him and He too was treated with indignities, tortured and finally killed.
However unlike John the Baptist, the Bab was a divine prophet himself and brought new laws and a new book called the Bayan. He died a martyrs death, but not before He had firmly implanted the teachings of His book into the hearts of His followers. He also commanded that after His death they were to follow the new Messiah known as "The Glory of God". Baha'u'llah declared Himself to be the one that mankind had been waiting for. He let it be known in 1863 that he indeed was the "Promised One" of all ages.
Baha'u'llah was sent to bring about love and peace through His teachings. He wrote over 100 epistles and books in His own hand, or those that he dictated to His secretary. Two of my favorite books are "The Kitabi-Aqdas ( The Book of Laws), and the Hidden Words (words from God). I also highly recommend a book called. "Baha'u'llah: King of Glory" by H. M. Balyuzi, you can find it on Amazon.com/
If you are interested in learning more about this most recent prophet, and His wonderful Baha'i Faith, go to www.bahai.org/
Yes--I am a Baha'i, and have been for over 40 years. As Baha'is we do not proselytize, but we do invite you to investigate for yourself.
That's what "freedom" means to me--the right to share with anyone what I believe--no strings attached.
Following are some of the principles of the Baha;i Faith:
1. ALL HUMANITY IS ONE FAMILY
2. WOMEN AND MEN ARE EQUAL
3. INVESTIGATION OF TRUTH WITHOUT PRECONCEPTIONS
4. SCIENCE AND RELIGION WORK HAND IN HAND
5. ECONOMIC PROBLEMS ARE LINKED TO SPIRITUAL PROBLEMS
6. FAMILY UNITY IS OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE
7. ALL MAJOR RELIGIONS COME FROM GOD
8. THERE IS ONE GOD
9. THE NEED FOR AN AUXILIARY LANGUAGE
10. MANDATORY EDUCATION FOR ALL CHILDREN
11. THERE IS NO CLERGY--WE ARE THE TEACHERS
12. WORLD PEACE IS THE UTMOST NEED OF OUR TIME
The following are questions often asked about the Baha;i Faith:
1. WHO IS BAHA'U'LLAH?
2. WHAT IS THE VISION FOR THE FUTURE?
3. HOW DO BAHA'IS RELATE TO POLITICS?
4. HOW DO THE BAHA'IS VIEW THE ENVIRONMENTAL CRISIS?
5. HOW DO BAHA'IS SPREAD THEIR BELIEFS?
6. WHERE DOES THE MONEY COME FROM FOR ACTIVITIES AND PROJECTS?
7. WHERE DO THEY WORSHIP?
8. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF LIFE?
9. DO BAHA'IS BELIEVE IN HEAVEN AND HELL?
10. WHAT IS YOUR VIEW ON MARRIAGE?
11. HOW CAN I BECOME INVOLVED?
What Baha'u'llah has to say about freedom:
"If the learned and worldly-wise men of this age were to allow mankind to inhale the fragrance of fellowship and love, every understanding heart would apprehend the meaning of liberty, and discover the secret of undisturbed peace and absolute composure."--Baha'u'llah
Have a very Happy 4th of July, and please be safe.
GOD BLESS!! SEE YOU NEXT TIME!!
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both signed the Declaration of Independence on July 2, 1776. the National Holiday was declared on July 4, 1776.
Ironically 50 years later both of these "founding fathers" died on the same day just hours apart on July 4, 1826.
Today we celebrate our breaking away from British rule. This is only one kind of freedom.
I once read a story of a man who was shackled in a dark pit in Haifa, Israel. His name was Baha'u'llah. In Arabic his name means, "The Glory of God." Jesus the Christ told us in the Book of Revelations that He would send us a "comforter", and on Him He would write a NEW NAME. He said that the name would mean, "The Glory of the Lord." Baha'u'llah is that "comforter".
He spent most of His life being scourged, beaten, imprisoned and exiled from country to country and spent many years in "The Most Great Prison" in Akka where there were no windows, no running water and no facilities. This Holy man was forced to live among thieves and murderers. He did so without complaint, and His spirit soared because His "freedom" came from God.
It was while in this prison that He was visited by an angel who told Him that He was the new chosen divine messenger of God.
Baha'u'llah after being released from the "pit" was always under "house arrest" and was constantly scorned and had to suffer indignities and disbelief--much like Jesus the Christ. However, since God had manifested His Spirit into this human soul, Baha'u'llah had the power to withstand every kind of humiliation and degradation that the Clerics of that day as well as the Islamic Government could heap upon Him. He was constantly ridiculed and cursed at. In spite of this He had many staunch followers. He was most beloved by these brave souls who were putting their own lives at risk to be wherever He was, and to openly worship Him.
Baha'u'llah and the founder of the Babi Faith known as the Bab ( meaning "the Gate" in Arabic) were known as the "twin prophets". Bab declared his mission in 1844 and was much like Johm the Baptist who was the forerunner to Jesus the Christ. He came to tell the Jewish people that God had sent a new messenger. Many did not believe Him and He too was treated with indignities, tortured and finally killed.
However unlike John the Baptist, the Bab was a divine prophet himself and brought new laws and a new book called the Bayan. He died a martyrs death, but not before He had firmly implanted the teachings of His book into the hearts of His followers. He also commanded that after His death they were to follow the new Messiah known as "The Glory of God". Baha'u'llah declared Himself to be the one that mankind had been waiting for. He let it be known in 1863 that he indeed was the "Promised One" of all ages.
Baha'u'llah was sent to bring about love and peace through His teachings. He wrote over 100 epistles and books in His own hand, or those that he dictated to His secretary. Two of my favorite books are "The Kitabi-Aqdas ( The Book of Laws), and the Hidden Words (words from God). I also highly recommend a book called. "Baha'u'llah: King of Glory" by H. M. Balyuzi, you can find it on Amazon.com/
If you are interested in learning more about this most recent prophet, and His wonderful Baha'i Faith, go to www.bahai.org/
Yes--I am a Baha'i, and have been for over 40 years. As Baha'is we do not proselytize, but we do invite you to investigate for yourself.
That's what "freedom" means to me--the right to share with anyone what I believe--no strings attached.
Following are some of the principles of the Baha;i Faith:
1. ALL HUMANITY IS ONE FAMILY
2. WOMEN AND MEN ARE EQUAL
3. INVESTIGATION OF TRUTH WITHOUT PRECONCEPTIONS
4. SCIENCE AND RELIGION WORK HAND IN HAND
5. ECONOMIC PROBLEMS ARE LINKED TO SPIRITUAL PROBLEMS
6. FAMILY UNITY IS OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE
7. ALL MAJOR RELIGIONS COME FROM GOD
8. THERE IS ONE GOD
9. THE NEED FOR AN AUXILIARY LANGUAGE
10. MANDATORY EDUCATION FOR ALL CHILDREN
11. THERE IS NO CLERGY--WE ARE THE TEACHERS
12. WORLD PEACE IS THE UTMOST NEED OF OUR TIME
The following are questions often asked about the Baha;i Faith:
1. WHO IS BAHA'U'LLAH?
2. WHAT IS THE VISION FOR THE FUTURE?
3. HOW DO BAHA'IS RELATE TO POLITICS?
4. HOW DO THE BAHA'IS VIEW THE ENVIRONMENTAL CRISIS?
5. HOW DO BAHA'IS SPREAD THEIR BELIEFS?
6. WHERE DOES THE MONEY COME FROM FOR ACTIVITIES AND PROJECTS?
7. WHERE DO THEY WORSHIP?
8. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF LIFE?
9. DO BAHA'IS BELIEVE IN HEAVEN AND HELL?
10. WHAT IS YOUR VIEW ON MARRIAGE?
11. HOW CAN I BECOME INVOLVED?
What Baha'u'llah has to say about freedom:
"If the learned and worldly-wise men of this age were to allow mankind to inhale the fragrance of fellowship and love, every understanding heart would apprehend the meaning of liberty, and discover the secret of undisturbed peace and absolute composure."--Baha'u'llah
Have a very Happy 4th of July, and please be safe.
GOD BLESS!! SEE YOU NEXT TIME!!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
GRANNY'S GOODIES, GRIPES AND GROANS: SOME OF GRANNY'S POETRY
GRANNY'S GOODIES, GRIPES AND GROANS: SOME OF GRANNY'S POETRY: "I ran across this piece of poetry that I had written a couple of years ago when I lived in Canyon County near Santa Clarita. It sort of te..."
SOME OF GRANNY'S POETRY
I ran across this piece of poetry that I had written a couple of years ago when I lived in Canyon County near Santa Clarita. It sort of tells a story about what I was feeling at the time:
THERE'S A BIRCH TREE OUTSIDE MY WINDOW
There's a Birch Tree outside my window,
It's white arms patchy where gnarly knots grow.
It does not stand like a sentinel all stately and stiffety,
It sort of slouches rather mindless of any security,
As it gently sways its patchy arms in various places,
Perhaps waiting to witness one of its Makers infinite graces.
Inside--my window is covered with vertical plastic bars,
Slightly open to send shafts of light streaming down on faded floors,
Like cells, reminding me of the prison of pain I've come to know.
Makes me wonder, "When will this life let me go?"
If only God would lift this burden from my being,
Before it's my, "Day of Reckoning."
However, I keep finding reasons to keep me here,
Another story to write, another soul to comfort, so dear.
I see loved ones drowning in their own self-made prison.
I tell myself that is the only reason.
My soul has not repaired unto the realm above,
It senses my heart still yearns with love.
BUT--I am NOT God!
How dare I think that I can do His job!
I guess I looked around and thought He needed my help,
So all these mistakes I made that I took upon myself,
I failed to see my fault and upon others placed the blame.
GOD did just fine without me--before I ever came.
I'm old now, and have learned a thing or two.
I only want to do what He wants me to do.
I LOVE this faltering world in its misguided glory,
Perhaps I'm still here to write another story.
Could it be to research the way to end pollution?
How about that God? Is there a just solution?
OR--perhaps an article or two on how to give,
In order that some other souls may live.
How about a care package to one fighting overseas?
Say a prayer for them and listen to their pleas.
OR--help that homeless, hungry child that cries,
Give that starving soul sustenance and love--lest it dies.
I have been reading, "Baha'u'llah: King of Glory".
It is truly quite an awesome story,
About God's Messenger for this day
Who has been sent to show us the way,
To learn how to live with LOVE for man,
And to help bring PEACE upon this land.
EVIL does heinous things in "The name of GOD."
IN THE NAME OF GOD? That seems rather odd.
Where is it written that it's okay to smite another?
What I read is, "Love thy neighbor as thy brother."
An eye for an eye leaves everyone blind.
LOVE IS THE ANSWER--try to be kind.
I want to learn more about Baha'u'llah's plan,
To bring about PEACE upon this land,
To help teach mankind about who GOD is,
To show others how we can do all this,
Then my life will have some worth,
Before I leave this moldering earth.
I'm just an old lady of eighty plus years,
Dying is really the least of my fears.
Being of use to somebody, somehow,
Is mostly what I think about now.
I have been a caregiver nearly all of my life,
I've had up days, down days and days filled with strife.
At times, sitting here alone, in this cold lonely room,
Sort of gives me the feeling of impending doom.
I try with all of my might to think positively,
I cry a lot--and my nose gets all snively.
I swear to God up above--I am NOT depresssed,
As a matter of fact--I feel quite blessed!
I guess my theory is--when you're a kid, you want to be grown,
Then, when you're grown, you want to be on your own.
Soon with luck and some help from above,
You find that right someone and fall in love.
Hopefully you have children to fill your life,
Along with the growing pains and strife.
SUDDENLY--a mid-life crisis occurs.
Was it his fault or was it hers?
Often, and in due course,
We hear that dreaded word--DIVORCE.
Then there is therapy, and let it be said,
Most women would go, men would not be caught dead.
Our children suffer the most I'm afraid,
When they are not aware of the plans that are made.
The judge says, "Six months with one parent, six with the other."
OR--"You'll visit your father, you'll live with your mother."
So, parents then tend to go on their own way,
While the kids, still unaware simply have no say.
Put your EGO on hold if you can,
Try to listen to the other man.
What does it gain to always be right,
If a soul is lost because he's not right in your sight?
Try the "Let go, and let GOD" thing,
What you learn may make your heart sing.
Now lately I've stated that, "LOVE IS THE ANSWER",
I'll not sit it out, I will be a dancer.
If our life gets to that, "Point of no Return",
There must still be something that we need to learn.
If your life is in upheaval, and you're feeling odd,
Call Him whatever you want, but turn to YOUR GOD.
You don't have to listen to me--I'm just an old crone,
With not much to do but compute, and sit by the phone.
You may not believe it--but with age comes wisdom,
When I was younger I too thought that dumb.
But, the older I grew, the more I knew,
The adage I thought dumb, was wise and true.
All this writing is really for me,
It's the way I get my feelings out you see.
However, if my rantings have lifted your spirit,
OR--made you laugh, OR cry--I'm glad to hear it.
It means this old crone's mind is still in tact,
And that my dears is a matter of fact.
There is a Birch Tree outside my window,
With white patchy arms where gnarly knots grow,
I've opened the plastic slats to let in the morn.
That's odd, the faded carpet no longer seems worn.
I've written my feelings down, both glad and sad,
Meditated, prayed and heard GOD say, "Now see, it isn't so bad!"
SINCE I WROTE THIS I HAVE MOVED AND I HAVE TO ADD AN ADDENDUM.
Just before I moved, they cut down my beloved Birch Tree, and I felt so sad. But here I have a huge tall Christmas (Spruce) Tree outside my window, and now I don't feel so bad.
I hope I haven't taken up too much of your time. Just thought that if anyone out there is feeling down, this might cheer you up, because everyone feels low sometimes.
GOD BLESS!! SEE YOU NEXT TIME!!
I HAVE SINCE MOVED AGAIN.
Because of my health I had to move to an area where the air is clearer. I now live in beautiful downtown Santa Monica, seven blocks from the ocean. It's not Hawaii, but it's not bad! Now the view out my window is of Santa Monica Mountains, Santa Monica, Bel Air, Brentwood, Hollywood Hills, Angeles Crest
Mountains, San Gabriel Mountains, East as far as the eye can see, Century City, Mid City, East Los angeles, Los Angeles, South Los Angeles, Saint John's Hospital, Playa vista, and points south. Right across the street is Reed's Park. The view is breathtaking on a clear day, and sparkling at night with all of the lights. I live on the 14th floor of a Senior Apartment Building. I am an acri-phobic, but I'm dealing with it. I lived on the 14th floor in Hawaii too, and I dealt with it there. One simply does what one has to do...right?
GOD BLESS!! SEE YOU NEXT TIME!!
THERE'S A BIRCH TREE OUTSIDE MY WINDOW
There's a Birch Tree outside my window,
It's white arms patchy where gnarly knots grow.
It does not stand like a sentinel all stately and stiffety,
It sort of slouches rather mindless of any security,
As it gently sways its patchy arms in various places,
Perhaps waiting to witness one of its Makers infinite graces.
Inside--my window is covered with vertical plastic bars,
Slightly open to send shafts of light streaming down on faded floors,
Like cells, reminding me of the prison of pain I've come to know.
Makes me wonder, "When will this life let me go?"
If only God would lift this burden from my being,
Before it's my, "Day of Reckoning."
However, I keep finding reasons to keep me here,
Another story to write, another soul to comfort, so dear.
I see loved ones drowning in their own self-made prison.
I tell myself that is the only reason.
My soul has not repaired unto the realm above,
It senses my heart still yearns with love.
BUT--I am NOT God!
How dare I think that I can do His job!
I guess I looked around and thought He needed my help,
So all these mistakes I made that I took upon myself,
I failed to see my fault and upon others placed the blame.
GOD did just fine without me--before I ever came.
I'm old now, and have learned a thing or two.
I only want to do what He wants me to do.
I LOVE this faltering world in its misguided glory,
Perhaps I'm still here to write another story.
Could it be to research the way to end pollution?
How about that God? Is there a just solution?
OR--perhaps an article or two on how to give,
In order that some other souls may live.
How about a care package to one fighting overseas?
Say a prayer for them and listen to their pleas.
OR--help that homeless, hungry child that cries,
Give that starving soul sustenance and love--lest it dies.
I have been reading, "Baha'u'llah: King of Glory".
It is truly quite an awesome story,
About God's Messenger for this day
Who has been sent to show us the way,
To learn how to live with LOVE for man,
And to help bring PEACE upon this land.
EVIL does heinous things in "The name of GOD."
IN THE NAME OF GOD? That seems rather odd.
Where is it written that it's okay to smite another?
What I read is, "Love thy neighbor as thy brother."
An eye for an eye leaves everyone blind.
LOVE IS THE ANSWER--try to be kind.
I want to learn more about Baha'u'llah's plan,
To bring about PEACE upon this land,
To help teach mankind about who GOD is,
To show others how we can do all this,
Then my life will have some worth,
Before I leave this moldering earth.
I'm just an old lady of eighty plus years,
Dying is really the least of my fears.
Being of use to somebody, somehow,
Is mostly what I think about now.
I have been a caregiver nearly all of my life,
I've had up days, down days and days filled with strife.
At times, sitting here alone, in this cold lonely room,
Sort of gives me the feeling of impending doom.
I try with all of my might to think positively,
I cry a lot--and my nose gets all snively.
I swear to God up above--I am NOT depresssed,
As a matter of fact--I feel quite blessed!
I guess my theory is--when you're a kid, you want to be grown,
Then, when you're grown, you want to be on your own.
Soon with luck and some help from above,
You find that right someone and fall in love.
Hopefully you have children to fill your life,
Along with the growing pains and strife.
SUDDENLY--a mid-life crisis occurs.
Was it his fault or was it hers?
Often, and in due course,
We hear that dreaded word--DIVORCE.
Then there is therapy, and let it be said,
Most women would go, men would not be caught dead.
Our children suffer the most I'm afraid,
When they are not aware of the plans that are made.
The judge says, "Six months with one parent, six with the other."
OR--"You'll visit your father, you'll live with your mother."
So, parents then tend to go on their own way,
While the kids, still unaware simply have no say.
Put your EGO on hold if you can,
Try to listen to the other man.
What does it gain to always be right,
If a soul is lost because he's not right in your sight?
Try the "Let go, and let GOD" thing,
What you learn may make your heart sing.
Now lately I've stated that, "LOVE IS THE ANSWER",
I'll not sit it out, I will be a dancer.
If our life gets to that, "Point of no Return",
There must still be something that we need to learn.
If your life is in upheaval, and you're feeling odd,
Call Him whatever you want, but turn to YOUR GOD.
You don't have to listen to me--I'm just an old crone,
With not much to do but compute, and sit by the phone.
You may not believe it--but with age comes wisdom,
When I was younger I too thought that dumb.
But, the older I grew, the more I knew,
The adage I thought dumb, was wise and true.
All this writing is really for me,
It's the way I get my feelings out you see.
However, if my rantings have lifted your spirit,
OR--made you laugh, OR cry--I'm glad to hear it.
It means this old crone's mind is still in tact,
And that my dears is a matter of fact.
There is a Birch Tree outside my window,
With white patchy arms where gnarly knots grow,
I've opened the plastic slats to let in the morn.
That's odd, the faded carpet no longer seems worn.
I've written my feelings down, both glad and sad,
Meditated, prayed and heard GOD say, "Now see, it isn't so bad!"
SINCE I WROTE THIS I HAVE MOVED AND I HAVE TO ADD AN ADDENDUM.
Just before I moved, they cut down my beloved Birch Tree, and I felt so sad. But here I have a huge tall Christmas (Spruce) Tree outside my window, and now I don't feel so bad.
I hope I haven't taken up too much of your time. Just thought that if anyone out there is feeling down, this might cheer you up, because everyone feels low sometimes.
GOD BLESS!! SEE YOU NEXT TIME!!
I HAVE SINCE MOVED AGAIN.
Because of my health I had to move to an area where the air is clearer. I now live in beautiful downtown Santa Monica, seven blocks from the ocean. It's not Hawaii, but it's not bad! Now the view out my window is of Santa Monica Mountains, Santa Monica, Bel Air, Brentwood, Hollywood Hills, Angeles Crest
Mountains, San Gabriel Mountains, East as far as the eye can see, Century City, Mid City, East Los angeles, Los Angeles, South Los Angeles, Saint John's Hospital, Playa vista, and points south. Right across the street is Reed's Park. The view is breathtaking on a clear day, and sparkling at night with all of the lights. I live on the 14th floor of a Senior Apartment Building. I am an acri-phobic, but I'm dealing with it. I lived on the 14th floor in Hawaii too, and I dealt with it there. One simply does what one has to do...right?
GOD BLESS!! SEE YOU NEXT TIME!!
Saturday, April 30, 2011
STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT IN OUR MATURITY
MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY
When I was a child--I yearned to know the answers to everything.
When I was a teen-ager--I thought I knew the answers to everything.
When I was a young adult--I knew, I knew the answers to everything.
When I was a mother--I went back to yearning to know the answers to everything.
When my children grew up--I went back to thinking that I knew the answers to everything.
Now that I am really old--I know very little about anything.
God Bless! See you next time!!
When I was a child--I yearned to know the answers to everything.
When I was a teen-ager--I thought I knew the answers to everything.
When I was a young adult--I knew, I knew the answers to everything.
When I was a mother--I went back to yearning to know the answers to everything.
When my children grew up--I went back to thinking that I knew the answers to everything.
Now that I am really old--I know very little about anything.
God Bless! See you next time!!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
GRANNY'S GOODIES, GRIPES AND GROANS: THE PAIN GOES ON
GRANNY'S GOODIES, GRIPES AND GROANS: THE PAIN GOES ON: "This may seem a rather negative essay for this blog--however, it is meant only as a deterrent to anyone who may be in a depressed and ..."
GRANNY'S GOODIES, GRIPES AND GROANS: THE PAIN GOES ON
GRANNY'S GOODIES, GRIPES AND GROANS: THE PAIN GOES ON: "This may seem a rather negative essay for this blog--however, it is meant only as a deterrent to anyone who may be in a depressed and negative mood. Depression can be deadly, we must not fall victim to it, but rise above whatever it is that troubles us. It isn't easy, but if we have faith in a higher power He will bring us through if we but ask Him too.
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