Spiritual Thoughts

[Ann]

Dreams

I've dreamed many dreams that never came true.
I've seen them vanish at dawn.
But I've realized enough of my dreams thank the Lord,
To make me want to dream on.

I've prayed many prayers when no answer came,
Though I've waited patient and long,
But answers have come to enough of my prayers
To make me keep praying on.

I've trusted many a friend that failed,
And left me to weep alone,
But I've found enough of my friends that are really true,
That will make me keep trusting on.

I've sown many seeds that have fallen by the way,
For the birds to feed upon,
But I've held enough golden sheaves in my hand,
To make me keep sowing on.

I've drunk from the cup of disappointment and pain
I've gone many days without song,
But I've sipped enough nectar from the Roses of Life
To make me keep living on!

- Ron DeMarco -

[Ann]

ATTITUDE
by Charles Swindoll

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes.

[Ann]

Shine Your Light

The cry of the city like a siren's song
Wailing over the rooftops the whole night long
Saw a shooting star like a diamond in the sky
Must be someone's soul passing by

These are the streets
Where we used to run where your Papa's from
These are the days
Where you become what you become
These are the streets
Where the story's told
The truth unfolds
Darkness settles in

Shine your light down on me
Lift me up so I can see
Shine your light when you're gone
Give me the strength
To carry on, carry on

Don't wanna be a hero
Just an everyday man
Trying to do the job the very best he can
But now it's like living on borrowed time
Out on the rim, over the line
Always tempting fate like a game of chance
Never wanna stick around to the very last dance
Sometimes I stumble and take a hard fall
Loose hold your grip off the wall

Shine your light down on me
Lift me up so I can see
Shine your light when you're gone
Give me the strength to carry on
Carry on

I thought I saw him walking by the side of the road
Maybe trying to find his way home

He's here but not here
He's gone but not gone
Just hope he knows if I get lost

Shine your light down on me
Lift me up so I can see
Shine your light when you're gone
Give me the strength to carry on
To carry on

~Robbie Robertson

[Ann]

Wishes
© By Melissa A. Mullally`

Wishes are meant for you to ponder, they pass along to someone in need, or can be kept all to ourselves. Wishes are sincere in belief that all our hopes and dreams are within reach.

My wishes for you are my own'..They are an everlasting trust that miracles happen and dreams really do come true. Understood is the value of a nurturing heart, the innocence of a child's eyes and the wisdom of an aging hand.

I wish that the morning sky will forever intrigue you and the stardust of the night will captivate you. I wish that you will always see the man in the moon and entrust him with your deepest secrets.

I wish for you a creative spirit that dusts your imagination with youthful dreams and opens you to wonderful surprises just waiting to happen.

I wish for you to yearn for nothing and find contentment from within. That you will always know what to say to a friend, that your compassion will heal, and many more names will be etched in your heart.

[Ann]

Ghost Children

We are children of a new time
learning the lost cultures of old
We are Metis for we are many
Here to bring forth the ways of old...

We are the Ghost Children...
We pray for our people that they may know
We are the Ghost Dancers...
And we dance so that they might awaken

We are the Ghost Children...
For we know that which most do not know
We are the Ghost Dancers...
So we dance, that they may see, hear and feel

We are the Ghost Children...
Mother earth we pray for your healing
We are the Ghost Dancers...
We dance to honor your greatness

We are the Ghost Children...
And we respect our Elders and their ways
We are the Ghost Dancers...
We dance in honor of the Ghost Dance of old

We are the Ghost Children and our path...
Honor, Integrity, Love and Compassion
We Ghost Dance in Honor and Integrity
Love and compassion to the people

We are humble children
for only Spirit is great

We are children of the earth
We are the spirits of the Universe
We are Kpaku ki Wana gi

~Blackhawk~

[Ann]

Beauty Walk

Let light enfold me
That my inside eye may see clearly
The path that lies ahead.
Let my mind be opened up
That I may recognize
The signposts along the way.

Grant me the wisdom
That comes from understanding
The true from the false.
And Guide my steps
So that should I falter or stumble,
Tripped by former beliefs
That bring me still
I may go forward with Courage
And with the determination
Which persistence Bears.

Let me be embraced
Witht the Love by which
The whole Creation is moved.
The very Essence with which
All things are held together
Dependent yet independent,
Whole yet individuated.
In which all are my relatives

Let me know the way
That is the beauty way
Where all who will
May walk in Beauty
and where the end of the path
is but a new beginning
To my infinity.
And every new beginning
Another ever-present moment
In Eternity.

H. "Migwunke" Mattson

[cwohio]

lovely ann - WHERE on earth do you find all these?

[Ann]

I'm glad you enjoy them, CW. I particularly liked that one too.

I love looking for these, I just google up poetry, inspirational poetry, or Native American poetry of whatever my mood of the day is and then find ones that I think you all might enjoy too.

I enjoy reading poetry, so searching these out is my pleasure.

Hugs
Ann

[cwohio]

they're so beautiful and the pictures are equally beautiful. thanks for taking the time - i know what you mean about searching on the net. don't know what i'd do without it. inspiration at our fingertips, there for the asking!

[one of]

Originally Posted by Ann

The Guesthouse

"This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all
Even if they're a crowd of sorrow,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture.

Still treat each guest honorably,
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whomever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond."

~Rumi~

Hi Ann, Rumi's Guesthouse reminded very much of the words of Howard Thurman, one time Dean of the Chapel at the university of Boston:

"The spiritual life resembles a fertile egg whose embryo is surrounded by the exact sustenance needed for its development. It grows by feeding on its environment, achieving the strength needed finally to peck through the shell. So, likewise, 'the spark of the soul' within each human being is surrounded by the exact food necessary for its development. This food consists of the essence of all the circumstances, the difficulties, the opportunities, the relationships--personal and universal--in which each person at every moment of time is environed. . . ."

You do pretty work, Ann! Many thanks. Love and Blessings - Chuck

[Ann]

Spirit Wolves

While falling into the arms of the sky
You can hear the rivers at sundown
running free and long

you can hear wolves whispering at dawn
calling to the spirits of the moon

Songs of the wolves beckoning the midnight sun
gathering like a maze of shadows
strange as it seems, they seize the night
with howls that echo unknown mysteries

Driven by lost trails after dark
in an artificial reality
they are spirit hunters, keepers of memories
driven by the depths of darkness
they are no stranger to the woods

Their eyes peer at the falling red stars
they begin to drink from the black waters
the willows dance from the mist falling
A spell of mental images of warriors in waiting

On the edge forever; following the depths of their beliefs
just time travelers with a free spirit
living in the night dreamers realm

By: ©Shyloh

[Ann]

Thank you, Chuck, I think I was posting at the same time as you. I like the words by Thurman..

So, likewise, 'the spark of the soul' within each human being is surrounded by the exact food necessary for its development. This food consists of the essence of all the circumstances, the difficulties, the opportunities, the relationships--personal and universal--in which each person at every moment of time is environed. . . ."

Hugs
Ann

[Ann]

A Candle in the Window

A candle in a window
Shaping shadows in the night
Illuminating wonders
At the lonely edge of sight
A beacon for an angel
Lost and looking for a light

A candle burning lower
Seeming very small and slight
Dancing softly in a draft
Almost trembling with fright
Slowly dying on a sill
Clearly giving up the fight

A candle in a window
Just a flicker in the night
Angel notices at last
Finding solace at the sight
And evermore a candle
Is restored again to light

[Ann]

Transformation

For years
I remained
Hidden from view
Afraid to show myself
or my true colors.
Cloaked
Concealed
I endured.
Waiting for the spring
with the sunlight
the signal to emerge.
Slowly
Cautiously
I begin to unfold my wings,
finding the courage
discovering my strength.
In awe
I marvel at the array
Deepest sapphire blue
Renewing amethyst violet
Tranquil aquamarine
Iridescent blushing rose
Sparkling
Radiant
I take flight.

Kirsti A. Dyer, MD, MS

[cwohio]

another keeper - hope my wings will unfold into many beautiful colors to come!

thanks ann, as always!

[Ann]

Thank you CW, and thank you for giving me the biggest smile every day when I see your cute kitty avatars.

Hugs
Ann

[cwohio]

((ann)) :-)

[Ann]

A Prayer

Let me do my work each day; and if the darkened hours of despair
overcome me, may I not forget the strength that comforted me
in the desolation of other times.

May I still remember the bright hours that found me walking over
the silent hills of my childhood, or dreaming on the margin of a quiet
river, when a light glowed within me, and I promised my early God
to have courage amid the tempests of the changing years.

Spare me from bitterness and from the sharp passions of unguarded
moments. May I not forget that poverty and riches are of the spirit.
Though the world knows me not, may my thoughts and actions be
such as shall keep me friendly with myself.

Lift up my eyes from the earth, and let me not forget the uses of the
stars. Forbid that I should judge others lest I condemn myself.
Let me not follow the clamor of the world, but walk calmly in my
path.

Give me a few friends who will love me for what I am; and keep ever
burning before my vagrant steps the kindly light of hope.

And though age and infirmity overtake me, and I come not within
sight of the castle of my dreams, teach me still to be thankful for
life, and for time's olden memories that are good and sweet; and
may the evening's twilight find me gentle still.

~Max Ehrmann~

[Ann]

Desiderata
by: Max Ehrmann (1872 - 1945)

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly,
and listen to others,
even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself to others
you may become vain and bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your career however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself, especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the council of the years
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture the strength of spirit
to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars:
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be;
and whatever your labours and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul.
With all its shams, drudgery and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

[Ann]

The spirit of Christmas
is doing for others,
Never forgetting
we're sisters and brothers,
Sharing our blessings
wherever we go,
Caring for people
and telling them so...

Spreading warm feelings
of peace and good cheer,
Making each person
feel special and dear-
the spirit of Christmas is love.
May your Christmas
be blessed with love.

[Ann]

TO A CHILD DANCING IN THE WIND

DANCE there upon the shore;
What need have you to care
For wind or water's roar?
And tumble out your hair
That the salt drops have wet;
Being young you have not known
The fool's triumph, nor yet
Love lost as soon as won,
Nor the best labourer dead
And all the sheaves to bind.
What need have you to dread
The monstrous crying of wind?

~William Butler Yeats~

[Ann]

Weaver, The
~Anonymous

My life is but a weaving, between my God and me,
I do not choose the colors, He worketh steadily.
Ofttimes he weaveth sorrow, and I in foolish pride
Forget He sees the upper, and I the underside.
Not till the loom is silent, and the shuttles cease to fly,
Will God unroll the canvas, and explain the reasons why
The dark threads are as needful in the skillful weaver's hand
As threads of gold and silver in the pattern He has planned.

He knows, He loves, He cares,
Nothing this truth can dim.
He gives His very best to those
Who leave the choice with Him.

[Ann]

Dreamer
by Michelle Keesling

Climbing higher mountains

I will not descend downward

Until after I have conquered that fear

Clasping stars within my hands

They shall not stray from my touch

I am a dreamer

My wings lie in my mind

Where they allow me to divide the clouds

As I ascend through their cotton-like tufts

One cannot pierce my heart with any arrow

It is filled with pure bliss and compassion

No one will ever be able to seize that from me

Although at times my eyes may look wounded

My strength has never fled

[Ann]

DARE TO BE
By Steve Maraboli

When a new day begins,
dare to smile gratefully.

When there is darkness,
dare to be the first to shine a light.

When there is injustice,
dare to be the first to condemn it.

When something seems difficult,
dare to do it anyway.

When life seems to beat you down,
dare to fight back.

When there seems to be no hope,
dare to find some.

When you're feeling tired,
dare to keep going.

When times are tough,
dare to be tougher.

When love hurts you,
dare to love again.

When someone is hurting,
dare to help them heal.

When another is lost,
dare to help them find the way.

When a friend falls,
dare to be the first to extend a hand.

When you cross paths with another,
dare to make them smile.

When you feel great,
dare to help someone else feel great too.

When the day has ended,
dare to feel as you've done your best.

Dare to be the best you can -
At all times, Dare to be!

[Ann]

At the Twilight
~Rumi~

At the twilight, a moon appeared in the sky;
Then it landed on earth to look at me.

Like a hawk stealing a bird at the time of prey;
That moon stole me and rushed back into the sky.

I looked at myself, I did not see me anymore;
For in that moon, my body turned as fine as soul.

The nine spheres disappeared in that moon;
The ship of my existence drowned in that sea.