Reflection on one candle at a time

I keep my eyes and thoughts focus on one candle at a time reflecting the subtle meaning of each as it’s was being lit for the past four weeks. To make meaning out of them, I needed to know what … Continue reading →

Just another day or Is it?

 

Photo Courtesy of Bruce Thomas Witzel

Love was definitely in the air yesterday. There was the look of love in people’s eyes. Men carrying a bouquet of flowers. Cars are running in slow motion giving pedestrians a chance to cross the street.  I can’t believe that they are actually yielding to us. In turn, I gave them the peace sign instead of giving them the bird.

Valentine’s Day is now over. Yesterday’s red roses are dead. Some are feeling the effect of sugar crash from eating chocolates. I have none of these, but I still feel giddy about meeting people on the road and striking a conversation.

I meet a man on the street who lives two blocks away from me at The Poppy, a residential home for older folks. Still walking with the aid of a walker. I tell you, those walkers are the most significant invention for elderly as a means of their independence just to get around. He is so proud to say that he is 99 years old and can’t wait to reach his centennial year. He has two children. One of them came to visit him to celebrate her 73rd birthday. He proceeded to tell me that his wife died five years ago and they were married for 77 years. He’s happy having his children, grand, and great-great-grandchildren. He doesn’t appear to be that ancient. He seems to be in his 70’s.

We parted and wished me Happy St. Valentine’s Day.

It must be love that keeps him going.

To a disciple who was forever complaining about others the master said, “If  it is peace you want, seek to change yourself, not other people.  It is easier to protect your feet with slippers than to carpet the whole of the earth.”  ~ Anthony de Mello, SJ

MORSEL:    The paradox of control is simple. The more we try to control life, the less control we have.  ~ Joan Borysenko, Ph.D.

 

Photo via TWIST – Picasso, Merton, and Pathways to Peace.

 

For the future generation

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Joshua came into her dream. In a grocery store, I was trying to reach a 2 litter Dr. Pepper from the top shelf. A hand came from behind me and said “I gotcha mum”. It was Josh. He told me … Continue reading →

Daily Treat

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I know a place, where no one ever goes, There’s peace and quiet, beauty and repose. It’s hidden in a valley, beside a mountain stream, And lying there beside the stream I find that I can dream. Only a place … Continue reading →

Pick One

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“Knowing that my emotions are only partially in my control, I reflect on what emotions I want to have If I could choose only one, what would it be: joy? peace? loving-kindness? courage? gratitude? I pick one of these imagine … Continue reading →

The Real Meaning of Peace

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The real meaning of peace is a calendar that has no Mondays! You wish! Peace out. Read all about it at: Morning story and Dilbert: the-real-meaning-of-peace  

Last Minute Changes

This list is precious and does not cost anything.

Source: Stolen from Santa‘s List: (I can’t remember.)

The Peace Of Wild Things

The Peace of Wild Things

BY WENDELL BERRY

When despair for the world grows in me

and I wake in the night at the least sound

in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,

I go and lie down where the wood drake

rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.

I come into the peace of wild things

who do not tax their lives with forethought

of grief. I come into the presence of still water.

And I feel above me the day-blind stars

waiting with their light. For a time

I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

via: Poetry Foundation

 

 

In the Spirit of Peace and Harmony

Please Read Important Notice

I posted “Extra Ordinary Bonds“ (EOB), the photo of a Sadhu and Monkey, taken by Sirish BC for National Geographic assignment “The Animals that We Love” recently.  Subsequent to this, I posted “Is it love or we just see what we want to see?” another photo of a Sadhu  taken by VJ Photography with his comments to EOB.

Note that both of these posts no longer exist in this site.

What made me do it, you asked?  I did it out of respect for Sirish BC and because words get in the way.  Sirish did not ask me to delete my post but he deleted his assignment at National Geographic.  I want to support him.

It was based on his in reply to VJPhotograpy at EOB:

Sirish B.C. Jul 8, 9:50 am  “Nanda, This was your observation as a tourist…but I don’t want to debate as I am not a very very very wise, intellectual and big shot like you, so deleted my picture on NG…”

I am aware that the photo of the Sadhu and the Monkey was shared to another form of social media and it was reblogged thousand times over, not enough to have gone viral.

By deleting the source, Sirish and mine, I am hoping the that we can maintain a spirit of peace and harmony in this celluloid word.  I am asking you all who have shared this if you all can support Sirish BC by deleting it from your site.

Thank you.
Perpetua aka The Seeker

Diversity: A whole new world

Differences including our abilities, appearance, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, colour, creed, ancestry, religion, physically challenge and mental faculty make each us unique and the world more interesting.

Sex and Gender is a bit confusing for me.  These are the words I learnt at the school level:

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Transvestite, Transsexual, Two-Spirit, Homosexual, Heterosexual, Straight, Heterosexism, Homophobia, Genderism, Sexual Orientation, Gender, Identity,  Queer.

Working as a public servant, it is vital to accept people for what they are especially when children are involve and are in the process of self-discovery of their sexual orientation.  Be respectful.

It’s not an easy topic for most people to discuss.  I have no problem discussing it but I have to be mindful of other’s that are uncomfortable about this issue. Be sensitive.

It’s a different culture. Be tolerant.

One thing I find offensive is when young ones use derogatory remarks.  Children are more prone to voicing it out because they have a little understanding. It’s just a matter of educating the children.  Guide them.

They are humans, too, just like me. They have human needs.  Be a friend.

To those who can hear me, I say, do not despair.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t want to be an emperor. That’s not my business. I don’t want to rule or conquer anyone. I should like to help everyone if possible; Jew, Gentile, black man, white. We all want to help one another. Human beings are like that ,,,,, “

We want to live by each other’s happiness, not by each other’s misery. We don’t want to hate and despise one another. In this world there is room for everyone, and the good earth is rich and can provide for everyone. The way of life can be free and beautiful, but we have lost the way. Greed has poisoned men’s souls, has barricaded the world with hate, has goose-stepped us into misery and bloodshed. We have developed speed, but we have shut ourselves in. Machinery that gives abundance has left us in want.

Our knowledge has made us cynical; our cleverness, hard and unkind. We think too much and feel too little. More than machinery, we need humanity. More than cleverness, we need kindness and gentleness. Without these qualities, life will be violent and all will be lost. The airplane and the radio have brought us closer together. The very nature of these inventions cries out for the goodness in men; cries out for universal brotherhood; for the unity of us all. Even now my voice is reaching millions throughout the world, millions of despairing men, women, and little children, victims of a system that makes men torture and imprison innocent people. To those who can hear me, I say, do not despair.

The misery that is now upon us is but the passing of greed, the bitterness of men who fear the way of human progress. The hate of men will pass, and dictators die, and the power they took from the people will return to the people. And so long as men die, liberty will never perish. Soldiers! Don’t give yourselves to brutes, men who despise you, enslave you; who regiment your lives, tell you what to do, what to think and what to feel! Who drill you, diet you, treat you like cattle, use you as cannon fodder.

Don’t give yourselves to these unnatural men – machine men with machine minds and machine hearts! You are not machines, you are not cattle, you are men! You have the love of humanity in your hearts! You don’t hate! Only the unloved hate; the unloved and the unnatural. Soldiers! Don’t fight for slavery! Fight for liberty!

“In the seventeenth chapter of St. Luke, it is written that the kingdom of God is within man, not one man nor a group of men, but in all men! In you! You, the people, have the power, the power to create machines, the power to create happiness! You, the people, have the power to make this life free and beautiful, to make this life a wonderful adventure. Then in the name of democracy, let us use that power. Let us all unite.”

Let us fight for a new world, a decent world that will give men a chance to work, that will give youth a future and old age a security. By the promise of these things, brutes have risen to power. But they lie! They do not fulfill that promise. They never will! Dictators free themselves but they enslave the people. Now let us fight to fulfill that promise. Let us fight to free the world! To do away with national barriers! To do away with greed, with hate and intolerance! Let us fight for a world of reason, a world where science and progress will lead to all men’s happiness. Soldiers, in the name of democracy, let us all unite!” ― Charles Chaplin

Source

Educating the heart

Listening educates my mind and heart.

I must have listened to this video a hundred times.  Watching the video distracts me from listening so I converted it to voice only.  When I listen, I also like to jot down the words and I ended up transcribing the spoken words.  The key words compassion, acceptance and tolerance are words that I will keep in my heart and put into practice.

Listen and prepare ourselves in educating our mind and hearts.

(click to listen)

When a child is born,
we do everything we can
to protect them, nurture them, love them.

A child’s heart and mind are fragile.
As they grow, we want to teach them everything we know.

We send them to school
to fill their minds with wonderful knowledge
to give them the tools they need for life.

At school they get a taste what things are like in a world outside.
There’s friendship, romance, disappointment,
embarrassment, discrimination and bullying.

They are the tools we give them enough to prepare them for this world.

We have an enormous responsible and an amazing opportunity.
If we truly want to prepare them for the world outside,
we must also educate the heart.

Because to navigate the world outside
with compassion, acceptance and tolerance
we need to teach them
compassion, acceptance and tolerance.

This can begin in our schools and it can start today.

It can happen at hockey practice, dance class
and day camps and music lessons
and it’s already happening around the world
with astonishing results.

If we want our children to grow
into socially and emotionally capable young people,
we must ask for a balanced education
and put importance on educating both the mind and the heart.

Prepare them for this world.
Educating the Heart
The Dalai Lama Center for Peace and Education
Voice over by: Poet and author Shane Koyczan

You can view the video here.

 

Coming to Terms

Pride?  There is no pride when it comes to having a peaceful relationship. It’s easier for me to shallow my pride: it’s not fattening.  I will be the first one to say I’m sorry in order to make peace even though I am very much aware that it’s not my fault nor it’s anyone’s fault.  Pointing a finger does not help.

How many times do I have to apologize?  Once, twice, thrice or maybe 7 times 7 as the good book says.

Word, ancient word I used now has meaning that is entirely different.  What do I know about English definition? Can I not use the phrase “Are you happy and gay?”  Gay is no longer a good word today, apparently not for it has offended the other person.  The word “gay”  has a negative connotation.

Apologize if I must, face to face.  Follow it up in writing.  “I apologize for making you feel awkward and I am sorry that it hurt you. What can I do to make you feel better?” Still that is not enough.  Apology not accepted and I have to bring it to the light and tell the people who are in a position.

I feel condemned.  I know the matter is not over and it will come back to me like a freight train.  The train came; I jumped into it and pushed the brake as hard as I could.  But the damage is done.

In the end, in front of the judges, I said “I forgive you for not being able to forgive me.”

“Come to terms quickly with your accuser while the two of you are on the way to court, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison.  Truly, I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.” ~ Matthew 5. 17-37

Painting:  The Father’s Love by Lyn Deutsh via A-MUSED
Dearest Daughter and February 2014 Monthly Peace Challenge

 

The Lucky One – Black Mother

Someone told me to read the lives of the saints to help me in times of dark night of the soul.  Not just the saints but as well as people who had the courage to come back.  These are ordinary people who managed to crawl out of their darkness with the help of others and divine intervention.

She was born in Sudan in 1869, kidnapped by Arab slave trades at age seven, sold and resold, suffered much trauma, abuse and brutality during her captivity that caused her to forget her own name. She was named Bakhita, meaning “the lucky one”. Life as a slave terrified her.

Click on the photo to view a brief story in video.

Forgiveness: 
“If I were to meet the slave merchants who kidnapped me, and even those who tortured me, I would kneel and kiss their hands. If what happened to me had never taken place, how could I have become a Christian and a religious?”

Eventually, in 1883 an Italian consul bought her, treated her kindly in his household, took her to Italy and was given as present to a wife of friend.  When the new owner left for Africa to attend to business matters,  she gave the  Canossian Sisters of Venice  custody of Bakhita. Here she found out that she is a free person and remained with the Sisters, became a nun and known as the “Black Mother.”

Bakhita, what a life story she had at a tender age.  How does one get over the abuse she received as a child?  With the help of others that cared about her and discovered that she has a new Master, her God, she recovered.

During the millennium year 2000, Pope Paul II canonized Josephine Bakhita.

Sources:
Wikipedia: Josephine Bakhita
UCatholic: February 8 Saint of the day
Depressed and Catholic: Bakhita, hope for those abused in childhood

Silence and/or Less – Neuroscience of Peace

Question: What one thought will you focus on this year to bring more peace?

Silence and less are good thoughts.

Think about this.

“How would spirituality help a man of the world like me?” said the businessman.
“It will help you have more,” said the Master.
“How?” “By teaching you to desire less.” — Anthony de Mello, SJ

MORSEL: After the game, the king and pawn go into the same box. –Italian Proverb

January Peace Challenge: Neuroscience of Peace

Peace Party Favour

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After the party, those who came receives something “to go”, mostly food.  The food is overflowing; the best thing to do is to waste not and ask the guests to take them home.  Apart from the “to go”, there’s the … Continue reading →

Open Party: Give peace a chance ~ December 2013

The way I have a party is to have an open house.  The best place for it is here in WordPress. This  will give every body a chance to come to the party.  Peace requires no invitation.  It’s a given. … Continue reading →

A Party Invitation

I attended a Blog Party hosted by Mischievouseyez.  It was a blast because she was an excellent hostess.

Kozo of Bloggers4Peace wants us to give you a party.  The challenge is to plan a party that will ripple peace to the world.  Since I am a wallpaper when it comes to a party, I am asking for your assistance.

What I need from you is to leave a comment about peace,  write a sentence or two and I will publicize your comments.

Here’s some food and drinks while you type your message.

For peace sake, thank you for your support.

Pax Tecum, seeker.

Garden of Daily Living

How To Plant Your Garden   First, you  Come to the garden alone, While the dew is still on the roses…. FOR THE GARDEN OF YOUR DAILY LIVING, PLANT THREE ROWS OF PEAS: 1. Peace of mind 2. Peace of heart 3. Peace of soul  PLANT FOUR ROWS OF SQUASH: 1. Squash gossip 2. Squash indifference 3. Squash grumbling 4. Squash selfishness PLANT FOUR ROWS OF LETTUCE: 1. Lettuce be faithful 2. Lettuce be kind 3. Lettuce be patient 4. Lettuce really love one another NO GARDEN IS WITHOUT TURNIPS: 1. Turnip for meetings 2. Turnip for service 3. Turnip to help one another TO CONCLUDE OUR GARDEN WE MUST HAVE THYME: 1. Thyme for each other 2. Thyme for family 3. Thyme for friends WATER FREELY WITH PATIENCE AND   CULTIVATE WITH LOVE. THERE IS MUCH FRUIT IN YOUR GARDEN BECAUSE YOU REAP WHAT   YOU SOW.   Source:  e-mail author unknown

Candle in Spain: November Peace Challenge

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Spain is filled with churches and we tried to stopped by in most of them, time permitting.  When I enter a new church, they say make a wish and your wish will be granted.  I have three wishes and I pray it all … Continue reading →

October Peace Challenge: The Key of Peace – A Celebration

Everyday is thanksgiving day.

Happy Thanksgiving Day Everyone.

Put all your fingers, hand, body, mind and soul together.

Enjoy every moment as it comes, play and dance to the melody of life

This is my vision of peace where one plays together even if you are off key. 

 

Thank you, Paulette.

Pax Tecum.  Seeker.

 

Related links:

• October Peace Challenge
• Peace Moving Beyond Hate
• Let it be written, let it be done
• Music A Universal Language

Peace ~ Moving beyond

The common thread between me and other immigrants, we fled our country to move beyond, sometimes, to move beyond hate. 

Hate is a strong word. 

When I was younger, I wrote a term paper the Pros and Cons of Capital Punishment.  The final analyst of the paper, I was for electric chair, a capital punishment.  This was based on a young mind being exposed to violence.  Not in my home where love thrives but due to poor government system and being under the regime of so many super powers. 

Hearing and reading stories is not good for a young mind for I learned the word hate. 

I hated what the Spaniards did, I hated what the Japanese did, I hated what the Americans did, and I hated the martial law, hate, hate, hate… 

Here in Canada, I learnt the history of the holocaust from watching the movie Schindler’s List.  I hated the Germans. 

Fortunately, there is one immigrant that helps me move beyond hate.  Eva Olsson, a holocaust survivor and she lives here in Canada. 

Her life philosophy in life is:
> Live one day at a time and make it a masterpiece.
> Treat others the way you want to be treated.
> Racism is a learned attitude
>Make a choice.
> Change your attitude.

She is right.  I cannot change the past and I can definitely change my attitude.

Eva Olsson: Canadian Immigrant ~ Holocaust Survivor

Subsequently, I began to find my VOICE.  Stand Up!  Speak Up! 

By being silent I will suffer.  That is why I have to speak out against intolerance, violence, disrespect, mendacity and any forms that will kill the soul of a human being.  If I maintain this silent attitude and accept the inhumanity, then, I have just lost the purpose and meaning of life.  That purpose comes from the heart connected to the mind.  As much as possible, I leave little room for hatred and cultivate love. 

Love brings peace.  A moment of Peace, a day of Peace, and never-ending Peace is what I strive for. If I tell myself who I am, words are not enough.  I have to show you and I start with children. 

If I can only teach one child to become loving, forgiving, compassionate, kind and see the goodness of the world in the God of small things, then I have done my job.  Hopefully, the child in turn will teach other children and this can have a ripple effect. 

I changed and keep the deep abiding Love of God based on my Catholic faith to love one another as He loves us.  And this is Peace. 

Related Articles:

• Eva Olsson
• Jewish Ottawa
• You Tube:  Hate is a four letter word
• You Tube: Eva Olsson Stronger than fire.
• Canadian Immigrant:  Genocide survivor speaks
• Daily Herald Tribune: Hate is a killer from a Holocaust survivor
• Please visit: September 21, 2013 ~ Peace One Day

Prayer for peace on Earth

Let us pray then, with all fervour for this peace which our Divine redeemer came to bring us.

May he banish from the souls of all people whatever might endanger peace.
May he transform all people into witnesses of truth, justice and brotherly love.
May he illumine with his light the minds of rulers, so that, besides caring for the proper material welfare of their peoples, they may also guarantee them the fairest gift of peace.

Pacem in Terris

• How does the Lord want to transform me into a ‘witness’?
• Can I be open to this as I ponder God’s Word today?

As we long for peace we remember our brothers and sisters of all faiths – and none – who share our longings.

Prayer of St Francis of Assisi

 Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred let me sow love.
Where there is injury; pardon.
Where there is doubt; faith.
Where there is despair; hope.
Where there is darkness; light.
Where there is sadness; joy. 

This sequence of prayer was offered in the early days of Sacred Space and has remained online since. There is always a call to us to pray for the world, bringing its changing needs before God.

• You are welcome to offer your thoughts on these prayers here.

Related Articles:

• Sacred Space: A Hindu Prayer
• Sacred Space: A Sikh Prayer
• Sacred Space: A Jain Prayer
• Sacred Space: Jewish Prayer
• Sacred Space: Buddhist Prayer
• Sacred Space: Muslim Prayer
• Sacred Space: A Baha’i Prayer
• Sacred Space: Prayer of an 11 year old Indian boy
• September Peace Challenge: And I Quote: Blessings of Hope

 

A Hindu Prayer

A Hindu Prayer

 Oh God, lead us from the unreal to the Real.
Oh God, lead us from darkness to light.
Oh God, lead us from death to immortality.
Shanti (Peace), Shanti, Shanti unto all.
Oh Lord God almighty,
may there be peace in celestial regions.
May there be peace on earth.
May the waters be appeasing.
May herbs be wholesome,
and may trees and plants bring peace to all.
May all beneficent beings bring peace to us.
May thy peace itself bestow peace on all,
and may that peace come to me also. 

Photo: AP/Niranjan Shrestha

 Prayer for peace on Earth

Everyone who has joined the ranks of Christ must be a glowing point of light in the world, a nucleus of love, a leaven of the whole mass. He will be so in proportion to his degree of spiritual union with God.

Pacem in Terris

Prayer of an 11 year old Indian boy

Prayer of an 11 year old Indian boy on hearing of Sino-Indian border fighting: Lord, make this world last as long as possible. 

 

 Prayer for peace on Earth

Blessed John XXIII was a man unafraid of the future. Moved by his trust in Providence, even in what seemed like a permanent situation of conflict, he did not hesitate to summon the leaders of his time to a new vision of the world.

Let us all resolve to have this same outlook: trust in the merciful and compassionate God who calls us to brotherhood, and confidence in the men and women of our time because, like those of every other time, they bear the image of God in their souls. (John Paul II).

As we long for peace we remember our brothers and sisters of all faiths – and none – who share our longings.

 

Related Articles:

• Sacred Space: A Sikh Prayer
• Sacred Space: A Jain Prayer
• Sacred Space: Jewish Prayer
• Sacred Space: Buddhist Prayer
• Sacred Space: Muslim Prayer
• September Peace Challenge: And I Quote: Blessings of Hope

A Sikh Prayer

A Sikh Prayer

 By the grace of God’s name May humanity find itself lifted higher and higher. In thy dispensation O Lord Let there be good in all humanity. 

 

 

Prayer for peace on Earth  

The International community, which since 1948 has possessed a charter of the inalienable rights of the human person, has generally failed to insist sufficiently on corresponding duties. It is duty that establishes the limits within which rights must be contained in order not to become an exercise in arbitrariness. A greater awareness of universal human duties would greatly benefit the cause of peace. (John Paul 2nd). 

As I pray today at Sacred Space we remember that the Lord never forces me. The voice of God is one of love. As we Christians long for peace we remember our brothers and sisters of other faiths who share our longings.

 

Related Articles:

• Sacred Space: A Jain Prayer
• Sacred Space: Jewish Prayer
• Sacred Space: Buddhist Prayer
• Sacred Space: Muslim Prayer
• September Peace Challenge: And I Quote: Blessings of Hope

A Jain Prayer

A Jain Prayer

Lead me from death to Life, from falsehood to Truth.

Lead me from despair to Hope, from fear to Trust.

Lead me from hate to Love, from war to Peace.

Let Peace fill our heart, our world, our universe.

– Satish Kumar

 

Source: Sacred Space

Prayer for peace on Earth

Pope John Paul II reflected on Blessed John XXIII’s Four Pillars of Peace:

» Truth will build peace if every individual sincerely acknowledges not only his rights, but also his own duties towards others.

» Justice will build peace if in practice everyone respects the rights of others and actually fulfils his duties towards them.

» Love will build peace if people feel the needs of others as their own and share what they have with others.

» Freedom will build peace and make it thrive if, in the choice of the means to that end, people act according to reason and assume responsibility for their own actions.

Related Articles:

• Sacred Space: Jewish Prayer
• Sacred Space: Buddhist Prayer
• Sacred Space: Muslim Prayer
• September Peace Challenge: And I Quote: Blessings of Hope

A Muslim Prayer

O God! O our Master! You are eternal life and everlasting peace by your essence and attributes. The everlasting peace is from You and it returns to You. O our Sustainer! Grant us the life of true peace and usher us into the abode of peace. O Glorious and Bounteous One! You are blessed and sublime. 

Source: Sacred Space

Prayer for peace on Earth 

Forty years ago Pope John reminded the world of the Four Pillars of Peace. They are the basis of right order in our world. It is an order that is founded on truth, built up on justice, nurtured and animated by charity, and brought into effect under the auspices of freedom. 

As we join together at Sacred Space, we might express our hope for our world, that we may re-establish the divine order in our own hearts and in our world. Still, we remember that the Lord speaks to each person according to their own situation and needs. 

Our brothers and sisters of many faiths – and none – share our longing for peace.

 

Related Articles:

• Bishop Tatro: Family of Peacemakers
• Sacred Space: Buddhist Prayer
• September Peace Challenge: And I Quote: Blessings of Hope

A Buddhist Prayer

Evoking the presence of the great compassion, let us fill our hearts with our own compassion – towards ourselves and towards all living beings. 

Let us pray that all living beings realize that they are all brothers and sisters, all nourished from the same source of life. 

Source: Sacred Space

 The world will never be the dwelling place of peace till peace has found a home in the heart of each and every person, till every person preserves in himself the order ordained by God to be preserved. 

Pacem in Terris ~ Pope John 1963

Let the cry for Peace ring out in the whole World

September Monthly Peace Challenge: And I Quote: Blessings of Hope

Hope provides the freedom to live at peace with ourselves,
others and God,
regardless of what may be going on around us. 

One Minute Meditation by Franciscans

  

May we be blessed with discomfort at easy answers,
half truths, and superficial relationships,
so that our lives have depth and vision. 

May we be blessed with anger at injustice
and exploitation of people,
so that we work for justice and peace. 

May we be blessed with tears to shed for those who suffer,
so that we reach out to comfort them,
 to turn their pain into joy. 

May we be blessed with enough foolishness
to believe that we can make a difference in this world,
and do what others claim cannot be done. 

– Based on a Franciscan prayer 

Eva: The Aspirational Agnostic

  

Soft as the voice of an angel,
Breathing a lesson unheard,
Hope with a gentle persuasion,
Whispers her comforting word. 

Wait till the darkness is over,
Wait till the tempest is done,
Hope for the sunshine tomorrow,
After the shower is gone. 

Whispering hope, oh how welcome thy voice
Making my heart in its sorrow rejoice. 

Seeker: Whispering Hope

 

Related Articles:

• Seeker: Whispering Hope
• Eva: The Aspirational Agnostic
• One Minute Meditation by Franciscans
• Everyday Gurus: Monthly Peace Challenge Quote This
• Claudia: September Peace Post

Mark your calendar: September 7, 2013 Saturday at Noon.

Please take part on this moment of silence for world peace.

September 7, 2013 World Peace Meditation at Noon

Behind the Dream & beyond words

On August 28, 1963, 34-year-old Martin Luther King Jr. passionately and eloquently shared his ‘Dream’ – in 17 minutes and 1,700 words – and the world awakened. 

As King stood at the foot of the towering memorial to Abraham Lincoln – he had signed the Emancipation Proclamation 100 years earlier – A. Philip Randolph introduced the Baptist preacher/civil rights leader as “the moral authority of our nation.” 

Chosen as the sixth and final speaker – to allow him all the time he needed – King was to deliver the urgent message and declarative statement on the future of the movement. 

Jones, a Juilliard-trained clarinettist – as well as a lawyer – could craft persuasive speeches with lyrical cadence and rhythm. But during the thunderous applause, as thousands wept openly, he told King that his “I Have a Dream” improvisations had eclipsed the musical genius of Charlie Parker and John Coltrane. 

In his book, Behind the Dream: The Making of the Speech That Transformed a Nation, Jones reports that the famous phrase wasn’t in the draft. He believes the sudden, riveting crescendo was God-given. 

“I hadn’t experienced him speak that way before, as if some cosmic transcendental force possessed him,” recalls Jones. “I remember commenting, ‘This crowd should be ready to go to church.’ It was spellbinding, electrifying, lightning in a bottle.” 

The master orator created his masterpiece, composing, cutting and pasting material in his mind, in real time. Preaching powerfully, he stirred the moral conscience of millions, tapping into core values and yearnings of humanity, speaking prophetically about living life without hatred and violence, inviting his audience to mountaintops, imagining and sharing new perspectives and vision. 

The making of a speech by Bruce Mason: Common Ground.

 

To read the full speech:  I Have A Dream:  Common Ground

To listen to the speech:  I Have A Dream : YouTube

Monthly Peace Challenge ~ August ~ Music that will make you smile

 

 There are so many songs that can tame a savage beast but a smile and laughter can definitely melt it’s savage heart. 

 

When you’re smiling
When you’re smiling
The whole world smiles with you
When you’re laughing
When you’re laughing
The sun comes shining through
But when you’re crying
You bring on the rain
So stop your sighing,
be happy again
Keep on smiling
‘Cause when you’re smiling
The whole world
smiles with you 

 Related Links:

• Monthly Peace Challenge: Music
• Bishop Tatro
• Sunshine

July Peace: A letter

Dear Ann:  Please repeat your column. The Ten Commandments of How to Get Along with People.  I read it every day for years whenever I opened the medicine cabinet, and as you can see, my copy is faded and torn. – Faithful in Florida. 

Dear Florida:  Here it is.  Thanks for asking. 

1. Keep skid chains on your tongue.  Always say less than you think.  Cultivate a low, persuasive voice.  How you say it often counts more than what you say. 

2. Make promises sparingly and keep them faithfully, no matter what the cost. 

3. Never let an opportunity pass to say a kind and encouraging word to or about somebody.  Praise good work regardless of who did it. 

4. Be interested in others: their pursuits, their work, their homes and their families. Make merry with those who rejoice; with those who weep, mourn.  Let everyone you meet, however humble, feel that you regard him as a person of importance. 

5. Be cheerful. Don’t burden or depress those around you by dwelling on your aches and pains and small disappointments. Remember, everyone is carrying some kind of burden. 

6. Keep an open mind. Discuss but don’t argue. It is a mark of a superior mind to be able to disagree without being disagreeable. 

7. Let your virtues, if you have any, speak for themselves. Refuse to talk about the vices of others. Discourage gossip. It is a waste of valuable time and can be destructive and hurtful. 

8. Take into consideration the feelings of others. Wit and humor at the expense of another is never worth the pain that may be inflicted. 

9. Pay no attention to ill-natured remarks about you. Remember the person who carried the message may not be the most accurate reported in the world. Simply live so that nobody will believe him. Disordered nerves and bad digestion are a common cause of back biting.  

10. Don’t be anxious about the credit due you. Do your best and be patient. Forget about yourself and let others “remember.” Success is much sweeter that way.

Article I kept

 

Related articles

• MALALA`s SPEECH (allchildrenonegoal.wordpress.com)
• Monthly Peace Challenge:  Peace begins with a letter
• Fish of Gold:  Dear Universe

A Guide for Global Leadership

ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN 

All I really need to know about how to live and what to do and how to be I learned in kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate school mountain, but there in the sand pile at school. 

These are the things I learned:

• Share everything.
• Play fair.
• Don’t hit people.
• Put things back where you found them.
• Clean up your own mess.
• Don’t take things that aren’t yours.
• Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody.
• Wash your hands before you eat.
• Flush.
• Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
• Live a balanced life – learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.
• Take a nap every afternoon.
• When you go out in the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together.
• Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup: the roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that.
• Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup – they all die. So do we.
• And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned – the biggest word of all – LOOK.

Everything you need to know is in there somewhere. The Golden Rule and love and basic sanitation. Ecology and politics and equality and sane living. 

Take any one of those items and extrapolate it into sophisticated adult terms and apply it to your family life or your work or government or your world and it holds true and clear and firm. Think what a better world it would be if we all – the whole world – had cookies and milk at about 3 o’clock in the afternoon and then lay down with our blankies for a nap. Or if all governments had as a basic policy to always put things back where they found them and to clean up their own mess. 

Related link:  Peace~ Kindergarten

On this day ~ June Monthly Peace: Peace at Home

The body I inhabit is my home.
Where ever I go,
home comes with me.  

~~ 0 ~~ 

Birds are singing sweet and low
From the trees that gently grow
Soft and soothing breezes blow
On this lovely day. 

To the meadows there go I
To wander as the butterfly
How the flowers please me eyes
On this lovely day. 

I wish it could be always
Life is easy on such a day
I wish this peace on everyone
On this lovely day. 

On this lovely day
I wish this peace on everyone
On this lovely day. 

Song from Brother Sun, Sister Moon ~ Francis of Assisi 

 

While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart ~ Francis of Assisi

 

 

Related Articles:

• June Monthly Peace Challenge:  Peace at home
• Shaun: The Bite of Love
• Grandmalin: June Post for Peace
• Claudia: June Peace Post

May Monthly Peace ~ Peace is like a river….

Sit back, relax, breath in and out and let the music sink into your being as you watch the following Art that depicts peace.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Peace be with you                                                  

Pax Tecum

Assalm Ayakhum

السلامعليكم

que la paix soit avec vous

שלוםלהיותאיתך

la pace sia con voi

мира будет с вами

สันติภาพจะอยู่กับคุณ

vrede zij met u

Friede sei mit dir

शांतितुम्हारेसाथहो

damai dengan Anda

平和はあなたと一緒に

pokój z wami

la paz sea con vosotros

和平与你同在

Barış seninle olsun

kapayapaan sa iyo

ειρήνη να είναι μαζί σας

amani na awe nanyi

امنآپکےساتھ

Rauha teille

 

 

 

Related articles

• https://3psbyseeker.wordpress.com/2013/01/07/january-6-2013-notes-to-file-on-peace/
• My Peace I give you, My Peace I leave you (mountainprayer.wordpress.com)
• Monthly Peace Challenge: Art Thou Peaceful?.
• http://thewhole9.com/blogs/thehumanparade/
• http://www.thepeaceproject.com/mission.php

On Children: April 2013 Monthly Peace

Children Learn What They Live

If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn
If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight
If a child lives with fear, he learns to be apprehensive
If a child lives with pity, he learns to feel sorry for himself
If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy
If a child lives with jealousy, he learns to feel guilt

BUT

If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient
If a child lives with encouragement, he learns to be confident
If a child lives with praise, he learns to be appreciative
If a child lives with acceptance, he learns to love
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves
If a child lives with honesty, he learns what truth is
If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice
If children live with recognition, they learn to have a goal
If children live with sharing, they learn to be generous
If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith in himself and those about him
If a child lives with friendliness, he learns the world is a nice place in which to live

Related Links:

• Grandmalin April Post for Peace
• Circle of Moms
• Show and Tell
• Monthly Peace Challenge: Giveaway!.

Plant a Seed in My Heart (28)

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This room is so inviting.  Not a soul, lucky me.  As I walk along the hallway, the altar is simply plain and a symbol of Christianity hangs on the wall.  Crucified Jesus Christ.  Standing in front of the altar, on my … Continue reading →

Gifts of Hope

A homeless 13-year-old Filipino won a very prestigious award for his commitment to improving the lives of fellow street kids. Cris “Kesz” Valdez, who lived off a trash dump and slept in an open tomb for the majority of his childhood, was awarded last year’s International Children’s Peace Prize in The Hague on September 19, 2012. 

 

Gifts of Hope

For his seventh birthday, Kesz didn’t want any presents for himself. Instead, he wanted to give something to other street children: Gifts of Hope. That same year, Kesz started his own organization, Championing Community Children, aimed at giving street children hope and showing them that they can take their future into their own hands. Every week, he and his friends go to underprivileged communities to teach children about hygiene, food and children’s rights. He even takes things a step further, by teaching children how to teach each other. He has so far helped more than 10,000 children in his local area.   Source:  International Childrens Peace Prize. 

Kesz was presented with the prize by Desmond Tutu.  According to Desmond Tutu, Kesz is a deserving and inspiring example of “a new voice for the voiceless”. 

Spread this video
          Spread hope
                     Spread peace 

Peace by acting – summer4soul
B4Peace

One Love, One Heart

On the way home last night, I went to Church for Lenten blessing.  It’s just like Christmas on Ash Wednesday.  It was a crowded service.  I can only assume we came to Church to be redeemed and be forgiven for all the “sins” we have committed in our thoughts, words and deeds. 

I went to be reminded that I am a mere mortal being, impermanent on this Earth and to receive the sign on my forehead.  This sign is given by the Priest.  He dipped his thumb in an ash, made a sign of the cross on my forehead and told me “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”  This line is derived from the story of how God made Adam, from a pile of dirt. Then I went home with a dirt mark while people stare at me with puzzled look.  And I just smiled. 

Meditating while walking and what came up to mind is the heart.  Is the heart the most important part of the body?  How come I have only one heart?  I have two hands, feet, eyes, lungs, ears; a pair of lungs, left and right hemisphere of the brain, etc.  It must be valentines, I brush off my thoughts. 

It’s a good thing that they came up with Valentine’s Day to distract people from the history of Valentine.  Personally, it’s my father’s death anniversary.  We will have a Celebration of Life but I won’t be able to make it due to work obligations.  I know, it’s only once a year.  Father will understand.  I do keep him in my prayers. 

My offering to you for Valentines is this heart: 

St. Francis of Assisi

Peace be with you.  Seeker

R.U.L.E.S – Blog for Peace February 2013

In my site, there is no badge on Bloggers for Peace because I did not join.  I mentioned to Kozo, if it’s okay to write just about it.  Request accepted.  

I am not much of a joiner, follower or a member of any kind of organization.  I am not even a registered member of the church I go to.  The reason being, my belief is we are all One Body, One Mind.   By default, I am a member, no need to sign up. 

Whew, now I have said, I feel peaceful. Ah…. 

A few years ago, I volunteered as a Big Sister for one of the students at False Creek Elementary School.  My little sister’s name is Megan.  We were sisters for at least three years. 

What I want to touch upon is how I valued the school’s R.U.L.E.S.  It stands for:

R – Respect
U – Understanding
L – Learning
E – Education
S – Safety

The school has a Code of Behaviour: Keeping our school safe, healthy, happy and a productive place to learn. These are basic rules that elementary students understand.  It is a basic training on growing up as a future peacemaker. 

I remember when I was in elementary, we were taught Good Manners and Right Conduct in a public school.  The title of the program is different from today’s education but in essence it’s the same principle.

Since religion is not part of the curriculum in a public school, it teaches peace and compassion.  Recently, I received an e-newsletter about children’s choir.  I’ve asked for permission if it’s okay to share it. Request granted. 

In my own personal opinion, we have to teach peace early to our children.  I don’t have any children.  Megan, my little sister, was the only child I became closed to at the school and we had so much fun in our peaceful ways. 

Here’s the video of the children singing just one candle for peace.

 

And here is my candle for everyone.

 What does it take to be peaceful articles:

Love is the answer

A call to service

A Call to Service – On Peace

As part of human process, there are times it’s difficult to have an inward peaceful disposition.  If that is the case, for me, I look up to others and listen to what they are communicating to me. 

I listened to JFK’s famous Inaugural Address.  It was on this day, January 20, 1961.  And I quote “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” courtesy of Britannica.  To hear it, click on JFK delivering his inaugural Address. 

This speech is equally applicable to all nations, not just USA. 

I played this over and over to truly deeply understand based on my upbringing and personal belief.  I zeroed in on words that are meaningful to me: 

• Prophet summons us
• Call to Service
• For all mankind
• Rejoicing in hope, patience and tribulation

And I translate these to:

           God Calls me to be of Service For All Mankind.
           Rejoicing in hope with patience even in times
           of tribulation.

With this in mind, I part you with a Peace Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi.  He was just a man whom the Prophet Called him to be of Service for All Mankind, always rejoicing the Glory of God. 

Peace Prayer

 To listen to the melody play the YouTube.  It was recorded at the birthplace of Francesco in Assisi. Italy. 

 

 

Related Links:

Britannica.com: John F. Kennedy

Biography of Francesco di Bernadone born on 1181 by Wikipedia

Huffington post by: Bansi Kara – A Prayer for Teachers

St. Francis, Friend of Muslim Sultan of Babylon

Notes on Peace by Seeker

Delicate minds about being Peacemakers

World Peace Conference – Culture of Peace by Louise Diamond

We Can Make A Difference-Right Here, Right Now by Kozo

January Post for Peace by Grandmalin

B4Peace – Love thy Neighbor by sarahneeve

Peace be with you today and all days by Tracy

Bloggers4Peace -Everyday Gurus

Monday’s Peace News Captured on Video

Share is the word I instill on the children in order for them to become giving or eventually selfless when they grow up.  Share your toys, share your food, share your clothes, and more sharing. 

One thing I have noticed ever since I joined the computer age is the “share” button.  The feeling of “I think it’s not so bad being to be in this age after all.”  I happen to like sharing and giving. 

I re-opened my Facebook account this year because I feel left out.  My family and relatives are now all connected in Face Book.  My intention is to make this site active to share my faith and to keep the faith alive in our family. 

One day my nephew shared a YouTube about “the good in people were captured on video”.  Isn’t that wonderful?  I love good news. 

And now it’s my turn to pass it on to you to spread Peace on Earth.  It will be the best 1:36 minutes of your Monday. 

  

More good news:  God loves you.

On this day, 1783 Peace of Paris was ratified.

In closing:
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.
Not as the world gives do I give it to you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. ~   John 14:27
In response to Daily Prompt: Ripped from the Headline:  click here for details

 

Related Articles / Links
Delicate minds about being Peacemakers
We Can Make A Difference-Right Here, Right Now by Kozo
January Post for Peace by Grandmalin
B4Peace – Love thy Neighbor by sarahneeve
Peace be with you today and all days by Tracy
Bloggers4Peace -Everyday Gurus
World Peace Conference – Culture of Peace by Louise Diamond

January 6, 2013 Notes to file: On Peace

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Returning from 2012 Pilgrimage, I applied something I learned.  I changed my signature sign off with Pax Tecum and sometimes added this characters _/\_ .   Pax Tecum is a Latin word for Peace Be With You.  It was quite funny because … Continue reading →