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.