Walking the Talk

I admit; racism still rocks me to the core of my being. I become disheartened when people’s basic human rights are violated. Yes, I work towards educating people about the systemic barriers and historical discriminatory laws that created horrific intergenerational impacts in the lives of our (Aboriginal) people lives, and so I am very aware of racism, but when it worms itself into my life, I become triggered. Hopelessness and sadness sit heavily in my spirit when peoples bigotry surrounds me; gratefully, it is smudging and ceremony that always bring me back to balance.

And, so I humbly send this smudge forward and offer this prayer. ‘Good Grandfathers, Good Grandmothers, Creator, please help those in leadership, those who make decision and those who work with people of color to gain the wisdom that we are all related. Creator, please help them understand that every person regardless of their background and race deserve equal opportunities and treatment and that no member of society should be treated less than. Creator I thank you with a spirit filled with gratitude for those who already embrace this truth. Thank you Creator for the fact that while we can rejoice that we are related, we can also celebrate what makes us uniquely who we are; a physical manifestation of a perfect spiritual being. Creator, thank you for loving us. AHO! All my Relations.’ (ejh)

Elder's Meditation of the Day June 17

Elder's Meditation of the Day June 17
"Your power comes from the songs."
--Ethel Wilson, COWICHAN
If you do not know any of the songs, ask an Elder to teach you. Get yourself a drum. When you sing a song and play the drum, you'll be surprised how your mind, body, and spirit will react. Everything becomes calm and joyful. Our bodies love the songs. The songs allow us to touch the hand of the Creator. When we sing and touch the Great Spirit's hand, He gives us power. Songs are another way to pray.

My Grandfather, teach me a song today.

JOHN WAYNE CASSEROLE

JOHN WAYNE CASSEROLE

Never heard of this before but it sounds good!

'John Wayne Casserole'
Source: Adapted from Mississippi Magazine

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef, cooked and drained
1 (1.25-ounce) packet taco seasoning
4 ounces sour cream
4 ounces mayonnaise
8 ounces Cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
1 yellow onion, sliced
2 cups biscuit mix ( I would find something else for this to many carbs!!!! )
2 tomatoes, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 (4-ounce) can sliced jalapeno peppers

Directions

1. Heat oven to 325. Brown ground beef and add taco seasoning and water, according to packet instructions; set aside.

2. In a separate bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, 4 ounces of cheddar cheese, and half of the onions; set aside.

3. Stir biscuit mix and water (directions on box) to form soft dough. Pat dough on the bottom and one-half-inch up the sides of an 9 x 13 in. greased casserole dish.

4. Saute remaining onions and bell peppers until slightly tender.

5. On top of biscuit mix, evenly distribute ingredients in the following order: ground beef, tomato slices, green peppers, onions, jalapeno peppers, sour cream mixture and end with remaining shredded cheese.

6. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until edges of dough are lightly browned.
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Happy Father's Day

A father walked through the small thin veil of the spirit world into the physical world to hold his child’s hands while they lay sleeping. The father’s eyes were filled with tears as he looked down at his child. He marveled that he was a part of creating this child. His entire spirit filled with the light of joy, pride and love. He found his way to his child’s beside and only had a limited time to visit and he had much to say. He knew that Father’s Day was being celebrated and this day and memories of him brought sadness into the heart of his beautiful darling child. He began by whispering into the ear of the child, to whom he loved with everything he was, ’look forward, towards the future, my darling. I want to tell you about all the things you shall learn, all the things you shall see; all the things you will experience; however, I know that it shall be your life to live. Yes my darling, I know you have already experienced much, but humor me, my love, for my time is limited. I want to tell you about something that it took me longer to know than I would have probably liked; and that is to learn what joy means, not that I didn’t experience great moments of joy in my life. I was fortunate to find love in my life and that in itself is joy, but the kind of joy I mean is the kind that comes from deep within your spirit; the kind of joy that comes from feeling blessed from being given the greatest gift of all – life. Would I could, I would transfuse an awareness of loving life into you, which took me so long to understand, however, with this I am powerless.

I came to tell you something that I hope that will help you grow forward. Please my darling; remember that in my humanness, I experienced things that have led me to make flat out made errors. Just please know this truth, I love you. My crossing world is motivated by the love and concern that I have for you. And, my dearest sweet love, if there were times I hurt your beautiful spirit, please my dearest darling love; oh please, accept my apology. I ask for your forgiveness because if I left and you still had unresolved feelings that remained buried with me, because I left before you could tell me; I beg of you my sweet darling release these old and useless resentments, they are not important to your life, you already survived them. If you must look back, please sweetheart, do so only to examine the experience for the lesson and love yourself to let go – you have dragged long enough. Please know that I love you and I will spend the rest of eternity to praying for your wellness and happiness.

I want you to know one thing for sure, my sweetest love, and that is that throughout your lifetime, my love will always be with you. Although, you may not be aware of it, I will be there, watching and praying that each step you take is blessed. Remember, when I said look forward my darling; what I meant is that life is something you must look forward to each and everyday, for life itself is joy. When you wake up in the morning; be thankful, for you were granted a safe passage through the night; throughout the day; breathe blessings and exhale gratitude, as you lay your head on the pillow at night, let thankfulness be your last thought before you rest. Remember my sweet love, you have been given a miracle, and it is called life. Oh my darling, it is time for me to go; but I take all the love you have expressed to me through smiles, hugs, and even your tears; I take it in my heart and as I live in your heart, we keep each others love flowing for all time; as we both look forward to seeing one another when the time is deemed right. Sweet dreams, my dearest love and when you awaken, please know that the love I have for you travels worlds and our hearts shall always remain connected. (ejh)

Elder's Meditation of the Day June 16

Elder's Meditation of the Day June 16
"For me, the essence of a medicine man's life is to be humble, to have great patience, to be close to the Earth, to live as simply as possible, and to never stop learning."
--Archie Fir Lame Deer, LAKOTA
The Medicine people focus on their Being, not their doing. After all, we are human beings not human doings. The Medicine people are very patient and consciously trying to live a life of humility. Medicine people are servant leaders. Their main purpose is to serve the needs of others. By this service attitude, they become the leaders people listen to and the leaders the people want to follow. The Medicine people say everyone is their teacher. Maybe we should try to live this way ourselves; humble, patient, honoring the Earth and listening to our teachers.

Grandfather, today, let me know all people are my teachers and I am the student.

Words to Remember

Finds Peace