Church and God

When Einstein gave lectures at U.S. universities, the recurring question that students asked him most was:

- Do you believe in God?

And he always answered:

- I believe in the God of Spinoza.

Baruch de Spinoza was a Dutch philosopher considered one of the great rationalists of 17th century philosophy, along with Descartes.

(Spinoza) : God would say:

Stop praying.

What I want you to do is go out into the world and enjoy your life. I want you to sing, have fun and enjoy everything I've made for you.

Stop going into those dark, cold temples that you built yourself and saying they are my house. My house is in the mountains, in the woods, rivers, lakes, beaches. That's where I live and there I express my love for you.

Stop blaming me for your miserable life; I never told you there was anything wrong with you or that you were a sinner, or that your sexuality was a bad thing. Sex is a gift I have given you and with which you can express your love, your ecstasy, your joy. So don't blame me for everything they made you believe.

Stop reading alleged sacred scriptures that have nothing to do with me. If you can't read me in a sunrise, in a landscape, in the look of your friends, in your son's eyes... ➤ you will find me in no book!

Stop asking me "will you tell me how to do my job?" Stop being so scared of me. I do not judge you or criticize you, nor get angry, or bothered. I am pure love.

Stop asking for forgiveness, there's nothing to forgive. If I made you... I filled you with passions, limitations, pleasures, feelings, needs, inconsistencies... free will. How can I blame you if you respond to something I put in you? How can I punish you for being the way you are, if I'm the one who made you? Do you think I could create a place to burn all my children who behave badly for the rest of eternity? What kind of god would do that?

Respect your peers and don't do what you don't want for yourself. All I ask is that you pay attention in your life, that alertness is your guide.

My beloved, this life is not a test, not a step on the way, not a rehearsal, nor a prelude to paradise. This life is the only thing here and now and it is all you need.

I have set you absolutely free, no prizes or punishments, no sins or virtues, no one carries a marker, no one keeps a record.

You are absolutely free to create in your life. Heaven or hell.

➤ I can't tell you if there's anything after this life but I can give you a tip. Live as if there is not. As if this is your only chance to enjoy, to love, to exist.

So, if there's nothing after, then you will have enjoyed the opportunity I gave you. And if there is, rest assured that I won't ask if you behaved right or wrong, I'll ask. Did you like it? Did you have fun? What did you enjoy the most? What did you learn?...

Stop believing in me; believing is assuming, guessing, imagining. I don't want you to believe in me, I want you to believe in you. I want you to feel me in you when you kiss your beloved, when you tuck in your little girl, when you caress your dog, when you bathe in the sea.

Stop praising me, what kind of egomaniac God do you think I am?

I'm bored being praised. I'm tired of being thanked. Feeling grateful? Prove it by taking care of yourself, your health, your relationships, the world. Express your joy! That's the way to praise me.

Stop complicating things and repeating as a parakeet what you've been taught about me.

What do you need more miracles for? So many explanations?

The only thing for sure is that you are here, that you are alive, that this world is full of wonders.

Spinoza. 

Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 17

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 17    

"The old people must start talking and the young people must
start listening."  
-- Thomas Banyacya, HOPI          

We are at a critical time in transferring cultural knowledge and spiritual ways. During
the last few years the young people have not been interested in learning the old ways.
The only place this knowledge is found is among the Elders. We must encourage the
young to visit with the Elders. The adults need to think also about learning the culture.
The Elders are getting old and soon will go to the other side. Each of us must pause and
think about our individual responsibility to learn the culture and teach this to our young.              

Great Spirit, help us to learn and remember the old ways. 

Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 16

Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 16    

"To me, the wisdom the Elders have to manifest is in teaching
people how to live in harmony and balance with each other and
the Earth."    
-- Sun Bear, CHIPPEWA

You cannot give away what you don't have. You need to give away what you have in
order to keep it. Our Elders have lived their lives with a lot of trial and error. They
have experienced how to do things well and they have experienced what didn't work
for them as they grew old. They know things about living that we don't know. So,
through the years the Elders have gained wisdom. They usually have a whole different
point of view because of all their experiences. There are two ways to learn. Someone
tells us what they did and we do the same thing or someone tells us what they did and
we choose not to do it. Both of these paths will help us to live.        

My Creator, teach me about choices and decisions and consequences. Put an Elder in
my life to guide me

Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 16

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 16    

"To me, the wisdom the Elders have to manifest is in teaching
people how to live in harmony and balance with each other and
the Earth."    
-- Sun Bear, CHIPPEWA

You cannot give away what you don't have. You need to give away what you have in
order to keep it. Our Elders have lived their lives with a lot of trial and error. They
have experienced how to do things well and they have experienced what didn't work
for them as they grew old. They know things about living that we don't know. So,
through the years the Elders have gained wisdom. They usually have a whole different
point of view because of all their experiences. There are two ways to learn. Someone
tells us what they did and we do the same thing or someone tells us what they did and
we choose not to do it. Both of these paths will help us to live.        

My Creator, teach me about choices and decisions and consequences. Put an Elder in
my life to guide me

Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 15

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 15    

"Knowledge is a beautiful thing, but the use of knowledge in
a good way is what makes for wisdom. Learning how to use
knowledge in a sacred manner, that's wisdom to me. And to
me, that's what a true Elder is."             
-- Sun Bear, CHIPPEWA

We grow in wisdom by developing ourselves according to the four directions of the
Medicine Wheel - emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually. Let's say we started
drinking and drugging in our teenage years. Our emotional development will stop, but
we will grow older physically. We could then develop into an immature adult. As adults
we might be acting like we were teenagers. Once we stop drinking or drugging, our
emotional development will begin again. We need to grow and nurture ourselves in all
four directions. We need to involve the Great Spirit's guidance in our development. That's
the only way we  become wise individuals and live our lives in harmony and in a sacred
way.       

Oh Great Spirit, guide my thinking today. Let me walk in a sacred way on the Red Road.
Let me be a learner of lessons and give me Your greatest gift - wisdom! 

Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 14

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 14    

"Follow the Old One's advise."  
-- Tom Porter, MOHAWK        
    
The Old One is called by many different names - Grandfather, The Four directions,
Father Sky, Mother Earth. We should seek the advice of the Old One to help us build
our vision. He will put inside of our mind and heart the vision that we are to follow.
This vision is recognizable by the feeling that it has with it. This feeling is hard to
describe. It feels right, it feels calm, it feels joyful, it feels warm, it feels sacred. The
Old One has a way of letting us know it really is His advice. Listen carefully!     

Grandfather, I'm listening.

Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 13

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 13    

"The most important thing you can do during the course of
the day is to pray."
-- Joe Coyhis, STOCKBRIDGE-MUNSEE   

There are many things we do during the day that are important. There are many
places we have to go and there are many things to accomplish. The old ones say,
the most important thing we can do is remember to take the time to pray. We should
pray every morning and every evening. In this way we can be sure that the Great
Spirit is running our lives. With the Great Spirit we are everything but without Him
we are nothing. All Warriors know their greatest weapon is prayer. To spend time
talking to the Creator is a great honor.               

Great Spirit, thank You for listening to my prayers

Band of Brothers La Pine

 I was informed Monday that I had been voted off the board of directors of the local Band  of Brothers. I joined a few years ago and have tried to participate as much as I could depending on my finances or health.

Last fall I was appointed to the Board. We started having monthly meetings, notifying the members ahead of time.

When Covid hit, we had a meeting to discuss what we would do as far as meetings . We had recently started having them at the American Legion Hall. So since this was the beginning of the shut down, another meeting was scheduled for 2 weeks later to see what the status was. I showed up, no one else was there. I made a call to find out it was canceled and no one bothered to inform me.

Now with Covid still changing our lives, we all are making adjustments.

As long as I was notified, I would do my best to come to a general meeting if the board was planning a meeting afterwards. In the past month, one meeting was posted in the newsletter giving a week notice. I sent in a email stating I would not be attending.

Then I read in following newsletters that they HAD a board meeting after the general meeting. I had no prior notice. A bit difficult to attend if I'm not informed. As a board member, I should be notified. I shouldn't have to attend Weekly general meeting in a group atmosphere during these difficult times. 

I am quite aware of how part of the membership feels about wearing masks and I don't believe I should subject myself to weekly  gatherings that could jeopardize my already sensitive health. 

That being said, I was informed (after making a call) that I didn't need to worry about the meetings, as I had already been replaced as a board member, with no discussion or notification, they just "voted" me out. No special meeting was called, I was not even given a chance to present my side. They just got rid of me.

It's pretty bad when they just decide that the gal on disability and oxygen can't make every weekly meeting during a pandemic.

This Democrat, who DOESN'T have her head up her ass, will be just fine NOT participating with this particular Good Ol' Boys Breakfast Club. 

I am looking forward to participating & helping where I can with future Band of Brothers activities.

Linda C May USMCR

Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 12

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 12    

"If you get troubled, go and sit by the river. The flowing water
will take your troubles away."     
-- Joe Coyhis, STOCKBRIDGE-MUNSEE   

Sometimes we get mixed up and we don't know what to do. Go to the river or creek.
Take your sage and tobacco; sit and be still. Talk to the water, offer tobacco and the
healing water will take your problems downstream. Give thanks.                

Great Spirit, heal my mind today, let me see love.

Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 11

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 11    

"Listen to all the teachers in the woods. Watch the trees, the
animals, and all living things - you'll learn more from them
than from books."   
-- Joe Coyhis, STOCKBRIDGE-MUNSEE   

Nature is a living example of how communities live in harmony. If you go into the
forest or mountain and sit still and watch, ask yourself, what lessons are being taught?
Then watch how the animals conduct themselves. The trees could represent diversity.
The flowers could represent people. Notice how everything in nature assists one another.
See how balance works. See how conflict is handled. Can you see acts of forgiveness? Can
you spot respect? Nature is full of wisdom if we will only consider her to be our teacher.  

My Creator, today let me learn from nature.

Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 10

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 10    

"One of the first things Seneca children learned was that they
might create their own world, their own environment, by
visualizing actions and desires in prayer. The Senecas believed
that everything that made life important came from within.
Prayer assisted in developing a guideline toward discipline and
self control."            
-- Twylah Nitcsh, SENECA       
     
All permanent and lasting change starts first on the inside and works its way out.
Having constant prayer and Creator directed visions helps us to live in harmony.
This is the best way to grow strong and become a Warrior. No matter what is going
on outside of ourselves, it is our projection that makes it so. It is our projections that
even give it any meaning. Another way is each day to turn our life and our will over to
the care of the Great Spirit. Then He will show us His desire for us. When we are in
alignment to His desire, we become very joyful and very happy.     

Oh Great Spirit, You take care of me today and tell me what I can do for You today.
Give me the discipline to talk to You whenever I am in doubt or fear. Let me come to
You if I get irritated. You are my solution.

Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 9

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 9      

"...[W]isdom comes only when you stop looking for it and start
truly living the life the Creator intended for you."                
-- Lelia Fisher, HOH         

There are many things that block us from wisdom such as; selfishness, secrets, hate,
anger, jealousy and judgments. Another thing that can block us from wisdom is trying
too hard or wishing something would happen. Wishing implies doubt and trying implies
control. We need to let go of these things. We need to abandon ourselves to the Creator.
As soon as we surrender everything, the wisdom starts to flow. The Elders know how to
help us with this. Just ask them.   

My Great Spirit, today I surrender my life and my will to Your care

Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 8

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 8      

"Keep your life simple because the more you get, the more
complicated it becomes."  
-- Joe Coyhis, STOCKBRIDGE-MUNSEE
  
The old ones say, lead a simple life. The society we live in is all about getting more
houses, cars, luxury and credit cards. The law of worry says, the more you have, the
more you need to worry. You get a house, then you need insurance, then you need to
take care of the yard and the list goes on. Next, you may want a bigger house with a
bigger yard which costs more in insurance. Along with the accumulation of materialism,
are other "gifts." Soon you become a slave and the materialism owns you. Lead a simple
life and have peace of mind. Lead a simple life and be spiritual.              

Creator, let my foundation be spiritual and simple.

Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 7

 

Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 7       "Education is the new weapon of Indian people."             -- Eddie Box, SOUTHERN UTE      People have the ability to adapt. In these modern times we must get educated so the people don't lose. We need lawyers, doctors, nurses, foresters, scientists, educators, carpenters, welders. These skills are needed to help the people. While we are learning, we need to remember to keep the culture, learn the dances, sing the songs, learn the language and maintain the Red Road for future generations.              Great Spirit, let my education never lack the meaning and value of spirituality.

Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 6

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 6      

"We all form self-images and much of our behavior is pretty
well determined by how we feel about ourselves."                
-- Eunice Baumann-Nelson, Ph.D., PENOBSCOT

There is a cycle of building beliefs called the self talk cycle. Our self talk builds our
self image and our self image determines our behavior, our actions, and our self worth -
how we feel about ourselves. If we want to change the way we feel about ourselves we
need to change our self talk. We need to build ourselves up. We need to talk to ourselves
in a kind, positive, uplifting, good way. We need to talk to ourselves about the good things
that are happening and know that we are worthy and expect abundance.            

Oh Great Spirit, today help me to know myself. Help me to see the joy, kindness, strength
and beauty that I am.

Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 5

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 5      

"Decisions that have been made for the last couple of centuries
have been decisions made without the presence of a real God....
from the vision, not of God, but of money."             
-- Tom Porter, MOHAWK     
        

As we view the world today, it's easy to see the people are off track. We are no longer
living in harmony. Focusing on the material only leads us from the path of the Creator.
We must now pray for ourselves and the people in a pitiful way. We must be humble
and ask the Great Spirit to intervene because if we don't, our children will continue to
have troubles. They are acting out our behavior as adults. Today is a good time to start.
We need to get the spiritual way back into our lives. We need to focus on the spiritual.         

My Creator, help me to focus on the spiritual way

Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 4

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 4      

"the Elders say that if you want something good, you have to
suffer for it."        
-- Chuck Ross, LAKOTA

People sometimes have a misconception of sacrifice. This is a strong word for Indian
people. On the other side of sacrifice is another whole world. During sacrifice, our
beliefs are tested. We may all have good beliefs but if you test a good belief, then you
get real beliefs. Real beliefs make new people; real beliefs make new self images. Real
beliefs allow determination and desires and faith to come true. Good is always available
to us but we often can't bring it within until we let go of the old ways. We let go of the old
ways by suffering. Suffering is only letting go of things that don't work anymore. On the
other side of suffering is a new world.

Creator, help me to let go of old ways. Let my old thoughts and beliefs be abandoned. Every
change is preceded by struggle. Help me go through the struggle today.

Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 3

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 3      

"Once you have achieved this oneness, when you talk, God
talks; when you act, God acts."       
-- Chuck Ross, LAKOTA

In my innermost self, I know this to be true. I know of this oneness. The more I
am free of doubt, jealousy, judgment, selfishness, anger, the closer I am to this
oneness. When I am right with the Creator, nothing can touch me. When I am right
with the Creator I always say the right things. When I am right with the Creator, my
thoughts are always good. When I am right with the Creator, my actions are always
good.              

Great Spirit, remove from me those things that block me from You. Allow me this day
to experience the oneness

Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 2

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 2      

"I remember Dawson (No Horse) said, 'Once you say your
prayers, don't worry about them. If you worry about them,
they'll just fade away.'"  
-- Chuck Ross, LAKOTA

Today I need to remember You are everywhere. I need to remember how much You
love me. I need to know, Grandfathers, that You are always listening. Today I need to
know how much You care. Today I will remember the advice of the Elders. "Say your
prayers and then don't worry - know that the Great One has heard you." It's so much
easier to do this, Grandfather, when I feel connected to You.    

My Creator, allow me this day to feel your presence. Let me walk the path of life today
and talk to You many times. Give me faith, my Grandfather

Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 1

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 1      

"Everyone has a song. God gives us each a song. That's how we know
who we are. Our song tells us who we are."                
-- Charlie Knight, UTE    

As we start to walk the Red Road and as we develop ourselves as Warriors, a song will come to us.
This song is given to each of us from the Great Spirit. Whenever we sing this song, we will receive
courage and strength, not only for ourselves but if we sing this song for others, it will also help them.
The song will give us power and make us feel really good. The song will make us see life in a sacred
way. If you don't have your song yet, ask the Creator in prayer if He will give you your song. With the
song comes a responsibility - the responsibility to act and conduct oneself as a Warrior according to
your song.       
         
Oh my Creator, let me live my song. Let my song honor Your way of life. Let me sing my song each
day. At the end of today, let my song tell people who I am. I am a beautiful child of the Creator. 

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 31

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 31            

"Our Creator makes available to us all that we need. It is
an honor to go out and gather it. We must remember to
say 'Thank  You.' It is honorable to give away, to show
our gratitude... and to let the children see this."          
-- Barney Bush, SHAWNEE     
     
So many times we forget to say "thank You" to the Creator. He made for us an
abundant universe. He built the Mother Earth to reproduce plenty of everything.
It is an honor to be a part of the Great Spirit's world. The Creator always gives us
what we need. When we are given things, we should be willing to share it with
others. Whenever we give to others, this makes us feel good inside. The more
we give, the better we feel. The better we feel, the more we want to give. We
need to teach this to our children. The children learn by our behavior.            

My Creator, thank you for today. Thank you for the sun. Thank you for the earth.
Thank you for my life. Thank you for......

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 30

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 30            

"I started drinking more seriously, seeking refuge, seeking
death actually, from a world that was feeling more and more
unnatural to me. Following a painful accident related to drinking,
I finally realized that I must decide whether I want to follow my
grandparents or truly take up this life. Circumstances that followed
led me to choose life."    
-- Barney Bush, SHAWNEE          

My life is run by choices and decisions. Every choice I make today will carry with it the
consequences of that choice. Every decision I make today will carry with it the consequences
of that decision. The question I will ask myself today is, "Do I want to be happy or do I want
to be right?" Which ever one I choose will have a lot to do with the consequences I will
experience today. If today was the last day of my life, what choices and what decisions
would I make?

Oh Great Spirit, guide my path today and help me see the value of choosing the Red Road.

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 29

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 29            

"The devastated earth, the air, water, the extinct species of
mankind, animalkind, and plantkind, the drugs, suicides,
family separations - these are all the result of false ceremonies."             
-- Barney Bush, SHAWNEE   
       
All life is a ceremony. Every act is a ceremony creating a result in our lives. Every
ceremony we do always brings results to our lives. If we do bad medicine to others,
we do bad medicine to ourselves. If we keep on doing bad ceremonies, we will
eventually destroy ourselves. Any time we live our lives out of harmony, we are
doing bad ceremonies. Any time we treat anything with disrespect whether it is
another human being or a plant or an animal, we are performing bad ceremonies.
These ceremonies not only have an effect on ourselves but will simultaneously
affect everything. We need to use our power well, only do good ceremonies.
  
My Creator, teach me only good ceremonies. Teach me ceremonies that accomplish
good for all the people. Good ceremonies cause good results. Teach me ceremonies
that are helpful. 

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 28

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 28            

"With prayer and good intentions, we make our lives sacred
and come into balance."    
-- Don Jose Matsua, HUICHOL SIERRA MADRE MEXICO  

Only through prayer can we make spiritual changes that are permanent. You have
told us that all life is sacred. Today I intend to serve you, my Creator. Allow me to
overcome temptation, and if one comes along, let me see the lessons that will give
balance. You have told us that all life is sacred. Let me see today with a sacred eye.
Let me see beauty in all things.       

My Creator, let me know what You would have me be today. Let my intentions be honest,
respectful, humble, and loving.

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 27

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 27            

"We begin by letting the Powers know that we are willing to
be their servants to others."           
-- Fools Crow, LAKOTA  

There are certain prayers or actions we can take that will call the Powers. The Powers
can only work through the people. The Powers are always waiting to express themselves
through people that are ready. Every person born is born with a purpose. They have a
song to sing. They have a mission to accomplish. Every true purpose will always be
about serving the Creator and helping others. When we let the Powers know that we
are ready to serve the people, the Powers get excited because they can now do things
to help the people and make things better for them. The decision is powerful because
it turns an idea into action.  
            
Great Spirit, the greatest joy or feeling that I have ever experienced is when you are
using me to help the people, the feeling of giving, the feeling of being your channel.
Today, let me have that feeling of giving. Use me as You will.

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 26

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 26            

"Those who live for one another learn that love is the bond of
perfect unity."   
-- Fools Crow, LAKOTA  

To serve each other, to respect each other, to trust each other, to honor each other, to
love each other, to cooperate with each other, to care for each other, to forgive one
another, to focus on peoples' good, to laugh with one another, to learn from one another,
to pray for each other; these are all acts of love. These values and actions will connect
us to one another in the Unseen World. Nature is a good example of how we should get
along with one another. Watch nature. She is our teacher. Nature lives to give to one
another. The insects give to the birds, who give to the four legged, who give to the two
legged. The Creator made all things perfect.            

Oh Great Spirit, let me serve the people today. Let me see that it is better to give than
it is to receive. Be with me today. 

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 25

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 25            

"God is making use of you - you should be grateful He's found
a use for you."   
-- Mathew King, LAKOTA             

The Creator can only create through human beings. Each human being has a purpose
given to us by the Creator. We are on this earth to fulfill this purpose. Our only work
is to make ourselves ready, to become a channel, to perform for the Creator. We prepare
ourselves by prayer. We prepare ourselves by becoming unselfish. We prepare ourselves
by seeking and choosing to walk on a spiritual path. Each morning we look to the east
and we say an honor prayer to the Creator. We offer our gifts: tobacco and corn. We
ask him to help us do His will for today. In this simple way, we still fulfill our purpose.
It should be an honor to serve the Creator.        

Great Spirit, today I am ready to serve You.

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 24

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 24            

"The mind's eye changes the way we judge things."       
-- Fools Crow, LAKOTA  

"What you see is what you get." Our head has inside it a movie projector that projects
out from our foreheads and shines on a screen a picture of our true thoughts. This is
our reality. We can only see what we project (our beliefs). If we believe someone is a
jerk, every time we see them we reflect our beliefs about what we think about that
person and that is all we can see. Even if someone tells us this person is a kind, loving,
caring, intelligent individual, we wouldn't be able to see it. If we change our belief about
them, that person will change and so will our judgment about that person.         

My Creator, let me realize the power of choice. Let me see the advantages of changing
my beliefs. Today, if I am judging my brother, let me change my beliefs to acceptance.
If my thoughts are of anger, let me change them to love. Let my eyes only see you in
everything and every person. 

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 23

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 23            

"They also learned, and perhaps this was the most important
thing, how to look at things through the eyes of the Higher
Powers."              
-- Fools Crow, LAKOTA  

Our eyes can only see our beliefs. Our beliefs cause us to make assumptions, draw
conclusions, and cause confusion. Our five senses are very limiting. The Creator has
a way of allowing us to see or know in the spiritual world. This is called the Sixth
Sense. The Sixth Sense is like a radar system; our personal radar system. It will help
us "see" opportunities and help us avoid disaster. This Sixth Sense is controlled by
God. We must learn to listen to it. We must learn to trust it. We must learn to act on
it even if our head says differently. We must learn to look at things through the eyes
of God.     
       
My Creator, guide me today. If my eyes cause confusion, let me close them and see
through Your eyes. If my ears hear confusion, let me listen to my heart. Let me let
You guide me.

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 22

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 22            

"When life is too good, we think too highly of ourselves and
our blessings. Then we decide we are the wisest and the favored
ones,  and we don't think we need Wakan-Tanka and the Helpers
anymore."            
-- Fools Crow, LAKOTA  

It is sometimes easy to get off track when times are good. We start to take the credit
and start to think we are in control. We start to think we are smart. Then we quit praying
or pray only with lip service. We say the words but don't mean them. Sometimes our
head is our greatest enemy. We start acting like a foolish child. We must develop the
discipline to be humble during the good times. We need to remember how honorable
it is each day to come into the presence of the Creator. How happy we should be to
talk to the Grandfathers, to have the choice to start each day on the Sacred Spot - our
place of communion with the Great Spirit.    
            
Oh Great Spirit, first let me thank You for the honor of talking to You today. To have
the insight of Your love, that only You can love me when I don't deserve to be loved.
Let me be reminded to talk to You all day long

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 21

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 21            

"The greater the faith, the greater the result."  
-- Fools Crow, LAKOTA  

The Creator designed us to act on faith. We are able to do this by holding firm to our
beliefs. If we believe something and if we don't want the belief to change, we need to
add the power of the Great Spirit to this belief. We must always have the spiritual added
to our beliefs. If we don't add the Spirit, then we may very well change our minds the
first time we are tested. Each time we are tested and we don't change our minds, we get
stronger. The wind may blow on the red willow trees bending them and causing the roots
to grow deeper. The more the wind bends the tree, the bigger, stronger, and deeper the
roots grow. We should be happy that we are tested. It's the Creator's way of making us
have greater faith for greater results.     
           
Great Mystery, Grandfather, I know if I am tested today that I can count on You to give
me the courage to get to the other side. On the other side of every test is the reward of
strength. Make me strong. 

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 20

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 20            

"...remember and think about the closeness of Wanka-Tanka.
If they live in this wisdom, it will give them endless strength
and hope."      
-- Fools Crow, LAKOTA  

The value of staying close to the Creator is the immediate help we have available to
us whenever we need it. I can listen to the whisper of my heart for this is the place
He communicates with me. Staying close helps me remember that we are here to serve
Him and to help other people. The Grandfathers are my direct access to wisdom. He
who has wisdom has everything. If we have wisdom, then we will see our lives become
more effective in the areas of jobs, relationships, family, friends, and finances.      
       
My Creator, today grant me the wisdom to seek Your wisdom. Help me to Walk of the
Red Road.

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 19

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 19            

"If we keep everything in balance, we are in harmony with
ourselves and are at peace."              
-- Fools Crow, LAKOTA  

As within, as without, our present thought determines our future. If we want peace
outside ourselves, we must first have peace inside ourselves. It's not what is going
on but how we are looking at what is going on. We need to keep ourselves in balance.
We must be careful to not get too hungry, angry, lonely. or tired. We must know the
times - time to work, time to rest, time to play, time to sleep, time to pray, time to
lighten up, time to laugh, time to eat, time to exercise. There is a saying "The honor
of one is the honor of all." This means when we work with all, we need to also work
on one. We need to take care of ourselves. You cannot give away what you don't have.         

Great Spirit, let me walk in balance today. Remove from me resentment, self pity, and
self seeking motives. Let me love myself so I can love my neighbors

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 18

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 18            

"You have to have confidence in your own ability to be able to
go it alone, to go against what the rest of the culture is doing."            
-- Eunice Baumann-Nelson, Ph.D., PENOBSCOT

God, this is hard. Today, allow me to be a Warrior. Let me be strong. Let Your voice
be clear to me. Let me hear Your guidance. My goal today is to serve You, to develop
myself to be the kind of Indian person that You would have me be. To Walk the Red
Road must sometimes be walked alone.    

Great Spirit, let me walk the Red Road today with the confidence that You are with me.
If I fall, I will quickly ask You to help me know what I should do next.

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 17

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 17            

"If a child hasn't been given spiritual values within the family
setting, they have no familiarity with the values that are
necessary for the just and peaceful functioning in society."        
-- Eunice Baumann-Nelson, Ph.D, PENOBSCOT  

When we are born, we start with a beautiful empty mind ready to be given our beliefs,
attitudes, habits and expectations. Most of our true learning comes from watching the
actions of others. As we watch our family or relatives, whatever their actions and values
are, so will be the children's values and acts. If we see our families living a just and peaceful
way of life, so then will the children. If we see our family shouting, arguing, and hateful, so
will it be for the children. The cycle of life - baby, youth, adult and Elder is all connected. If
the older ones have good values, it will be connected to the children.       
 
Oh my Creator, if there are values I have missed, it is not too late. I can get them from You.
Teach me today Your spiritual values. Respect, trust, giving, honesty, wisdom - teach me these

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 16

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 16            

"The best teachers have shown me that things have to be done
bit by bit. Nothing that means anything happens quickly - we
only think it does."                
-- Joseph Bruchac, ABENAKI       

There are no short cuts. Every tree must grow according to the growth plan of the
Creator. Every flower must grow according to the plan of God. The moon must make
its trip around the earth according to God's plan. Every human being must grow according
to the plan of the Creator. Sometimes we look at ourselves and we think we are not growing
but we are always growing. Because we cannot see it with our mind does not mean it is not
happening. We must be patient with ourselves and let the Creator direct our growth.   

My Creator, let me be patient. Let me realize that You are in charge of all things. Let me realize
that I must grow my roots a little at a time to become strong.

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 15

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 15 

"There are many people who could claim and learn from their
Indian ancestry, but because of the fear their parents and
grandparents knew, because of past and present prejudice
against Indian people, that part of their heritage is clouded
or denied." 
-- Joseph Bruchac, ABENAKI 

There were many injustices done to Native people. Sometimes I wonder; why am I
connected to the past injustices done to Indian people? Why am I so angry about the
past? The Elders say our ancestors are alive within each of us. Therefore, I may
experience anger and resentment inside of me because of the injustice done to them.
The way I get rid of these past feelings is to forgive. It may be necessary to even learn
to forgive the unforgivable. 

Great Spirit, teach me the path of forgiveness; teach me the courage to forgive; teach
me to let go. Give to me a forgiving heart. 

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 14

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 14

"It's time Indians tell the world what we know... about nature
and about God. So I'm going to tell you what I know and who
I am. You guys better listen. You got a lot to learn"
- Mathew King, LAKOTA

A long time ago the Creator came to Turle Island and said to the Red People, "You will
be the keepers of Mother Earth. Among you I will give the wisdom about nature, about
the interconnectedness of all things, about balance and about living in harmony. You Red
People will see the secrets of nature. You will live in hardship and the blessing of this is
you will stay close to the Creator. The day will come when you need share the secrets with
other people of the Eath because they will stray from their spiritual ways. The time to start
sharing is today."

Oh Great Spirit, today I am ready for You to use me as a channel of Your peace. Let my walk
today be visible so the people will say, "There goes a man of God. I want to know what he
knows." If they ask, I will tell them to go into the wilderness and pray for You to guide them. 

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 13

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 13

"A bit of sunshine, a drop of rain, a puff of life from the
Great Spirit as He gently breathed upon that spot, created
the Native Americans. They were well formed and agile,
copper colored and proud"
--Harriett Starleaf Gumbs, SHINNECOCK

We are made in the image of the Great Spirit. A long time ago He breathed life
into our ancestors. He made the Indian strong. He created a warrior. Our ancestors
created more warriors. We have been tested throughout the seasons and we are still
here, stronger than ever. It is good to be Indian. We are proud of ourselves and our
ancestors. Mostly, we are proud the Great Spirit has never forsaken us, and continues
to guide us.

My Creator, let me live my life today in a way that would make my ancestors proud. Let
me remember, each month, that I am here to serve You. Today let me conduct my life in a
way that would also make you proud. 

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 13

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 13

"A bit of sunshine, a drop of rain, a puff of life from the
Great Spirit as He gently breathed upon that spot, created
the Native Americans. They were well formed and agile,
copper colored and proud"
--Harriett Starleaf Gumbs, SHINNECOCK

We are made in the image of the Great Spirit. A long time ago He breathed life
into our ancestors. He made the Indian strong. He created a warrior. Our ancestors
created more warriors. We have been tested throughout the seasons and we are still
here, stronger than ever. It is good to be Indian. We are proud of ourselves and our
ancestors. Mostly, we are proud the Great Spirit has never forsaken us, and continues
to guide us.

My Creator, let me live my life today in a way that would make my ancestors proud. Let
me remember, each month, that I am here to serve You. Today let me conduct my life in a
way that would also make you proud. 

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 12

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 12            

"With one mind we address our acknowledgement, respect,
and gratefulness to the sacred Cycle of Life. We, as humans,
must remember to be humble and acknowledge the gifts we
use so freely in our daily lives."  
-- Audrey Shenandoah, ONONDAGA
    
The sacred Cycle of life - the baby, the youth, the adult, the Elder. Let us respect all
directions, the four directions of the Grandfathers; let us respect their power. Let us
remember we belong to the earth, the earth does not belong to us. Help us to be respectful
to all the gifts You have given us.     

Oh Great Spirit, help me this day to be humble. Let me not attack anything in deed or in
my thoughts. Let my thoughts focus on the beauty You have created in all things.

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 11

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 11            

"May there be peace when we meet."
-- Audrey Shenandoah, ONONDAGA
    
The Elders tell us the greatest gift we can seek is peace of mind; to walk in balance,
to respect all things. For us to do this, we must have peace within ourselves and peace
within ourselves cannot come unless we are walking the path the Creator would have
us walk. Sometimes the tests on this path are difficult, but we know that each test makes
us stronger.   
         
Oh Great Spirit, I ask You to whisper Your wisdom in my heart. You are the only one who
knows the secret to peaceful living and the mystery of harmony. Teach me of Your peace,
understanding and balance, and guide me onto your good path

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 10

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 10            

"Nature is the storehouse of potential life of future generations
and is sacred."               
-- Audrey Shenandoah, ONONDAGA     

We need to honor and respect our Mother Earth. She is the source of all life. The sun
shines life to the earth, then the earth produces life in all forms and in a balanced way.
Everything is here to serve everything else. If we interrupt the flow in any way, we leave
nothing for the future generations.
Before every decision is made, we should ask, and answer, a final question; "If we do
this, what will be the effects on the seventh generation? What will we cause our children
to live with?" We need to have respect and love for all things and for all people. We need
to do this for ourselves and for all the children still unborn.    

My Creator, let me look at nature today and let me have the highest respect for all the
things I see. All the two legged, the four legged, the winged ones, the plants, the water,
the air, the Mother Earth. Let me have respect for myself.

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 9

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 9               

"Praying to seek a vision, to seek truth is always right. Truth
builds upon itself - as the true mark of a warrior who conducts
himself/herself accordingly - so that its beauty may shine in the
faces of our children."              
-- Barney Bush, SHAWNEE      
    
We move toward and become like that which we think about. What we think about
creates our vision. If our thoughts are wise and good, then our vision becomes strong
and truthful. If our thoughts are junk, then our vision becomes contaminated. It's important
to be aware of what we are thinking about. As I live my vision, my children watch and
live their lives the same way. We need to live the walk of the Warrior. We need to walk
in beauty and respect.   
           
Oh Great Spirit, give me a vision for today. Let me see truth. Let me walk in beauty. Let

my heart guide me in truth. The law says the truth shall set you free. Let me be free today. 

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 8

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 8               

"The Creator told everyone of us in our tribal beginnings to
look after our ceremonies, and each other."              
-- Barney Bush, SHAWNEE          

Our ceremonies are important and each has a purpose. They teach us about the Creator
and about each other. The ceremonies teach us to be humble and teach us to pray. They
teach us to look inside ourselves. We should remember to pray each morning. Ask the
Creator to guide our thinking. Think only good thoughts. Think good thoughts about
our relatives and about our brothers and sisters. Pray for our children in ceremony.
Give thanks to the Great Mystery of life. All life is sacred. Pray in a sacred way.     
          
Oh Great Spirit, I come to You this morning in ceremony. I come to this sacred place
to talk to You. I thank You for Your guidance and protection. Give me Your eyes today
so I may see the beauty in all things.

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 7

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 7               

"Everything I know I learned by listening and watching."              
-- Vernon Cooper, LUMBEE     
   
Sometimes my mind is talking so fast about so many different things that I can't
slow it down. All day long I am judging and making assumptions about everything.        

Great Spirit, help me this day to slow down. Help me to listen - quietly. Help me to
watch carefully. Help me to listen to my inner voice. Let me listen and watch only the
thing You would have me observe. Guide my eyes and my ears to be focused on You.
Grandfather, love me today and teach me to be quiet

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 6

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 6               

"We have to have one mind for the Four Directions. Until we
reach thatone mind,  we cannot be filled with understanding....
The Creator will not answer until you  have just one mind, just
like if you have one person."    
-- Grandfather William Commanda, ALGONQUIN    
         
The Elders have taught us to balance our lives emotionally, mentally, physically and
spiritually. If I am out of control emotionally, I get angry, doubtful or erratic, I am out
of balance. If I trigger bad mental pictures of my brothers and sisters, I am out of balance.
If I get too hungry, angry, lonely, or tired, I am out of balance physically. If I don't pray
and talk to the Creator daily, I am out of balance spiritually. To be centered, I must be
in balance. The Creator talks to me in the quiet and still place. So if I get angry, what I
should do first is to pause and get still so I can hear the guidance of the Grandfathers.  

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 5

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 5               

"It is a paradox in the contemporary world that in our desire
for peace we must willingly give ourselves to struggle."                
-- Linda Hogan, CHICKASAW  
     
The Grandfathers have taught us about sacrifice. We have been taught to pray for the
people in a pitiful way. Struggle and conflict is neither good nor bad, it just is. Everything
that grows experiences conflict. When the deer is born it is through conflict. When the
seed  first grows, it is through conflict. Conflict precedes clarity. Everything has the seasons
of growth. Recognize - acknowledge - forgive and change. All of these things are done
through conflict.                

Great Spirit, give me the courage today to see that struggle and conflict are here to teach
me lessons that are a gift from you.

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 4

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 4               

"Telling about our lives is important for those who come after
as, for those who will see our experience as part of their own
historical struggle."    
-- Linda Hogan, CHICKASAW  
     
How important it is for us to support one another? How important it is for us to know
our culture and to share our experiences with one another? How powerful it is to be
authentic? How important it is to hold no secrets? I am as sick as my secrets.     
     
Grandfather, allow me today to be willing to share with my brother and sister. Let my
eyes see You in their eyes. Let me not judge them but only love them. Grandfather, help
me, for I am Your humble servant.

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 3

 Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 3               

"Always remember you are Indian - do things to make your people
proud."       
-- Joe Coyhis, STOCKBRIDGE-MUNSEE   

All our choices and decisions will reflect on our people. We need to assume the accountability
of honoring people. We must remember to conduct ourselves in a sacred way. Sometimes this
is hard. But we must remember we have the assistance of the Spirit World, and we have the
principles and values by which we should live, written in our hearts. The Creator will help us
develop into a strong people if we just learn to depend upon Him.          

Great Spirit, lead me on the path of the Red Road

Elder’s Meditation of the Day August 2

Elder’s Meditation of the Day August 2
“When you get older and you are ready, your ancestors will show up to guide you.”
–Joe Coyhis, STOCKBRIDGE-MUNSEE
Many of us, when we are young, spend a portion of our lives in learning. Unfortunately, some of us spend this time learning the hard way. When we are young we sometimes think we know everything. Sometimes we do foolish things. As we get a little older, we realize we don’t know anything. This is when we become teachable. There is a saying that goes, when the student is ready, the teacher appears. We usually aren’t teachable unless we are ready. The ancestors are waiting and willing to help. When we are ready, many beautiful teachers start to come into our lives. Then we really start to grow and mature. We are ready for the spiritual lesson.

Creator, help me to become ready and teachable.