Speaking of Spirit

Photo Credit: https://goo.gl/images/hyvc1j As we sat watching the series, Eli Stone , a story of a young lawyer who discovers he is a prophet for his time, I was touched by the wisdom the writers of the show wove into the plot.  I was also amazed at how pertinent the lessons of the episodes were to this moment in time. At one point, Eli's boss states, " In business, there is still room for humanity.  Capitalism without mercy is tantamount to evil. "  The boss then goes on to shake things up by turning the huge legal firm into a pro bono firm fighting for the underdogs. One could morph this quote into, "In politics, there is still room for humanity.  Democracy without mercy is tantamount to evil."   As a nation, as a society, and individually, we must reconnect with our humanity.  We are all in this together.  We are all connected, one to the other.  The dictionary definition of mercy is, " compassion or forgiveness shown toward someo...

Photo credit: Public Domain The days ahead look to be darker and gloomier than ever.  How do we maintain our hope that things will be better?    For me, it is the simple act of continuing to sow seeds of loving-kindness and peace, regardless.  The power of Love is greater than all the hate in all the world.  The power of Love is seen in the seed that lands on concrete and works its way into a crack in order to push up into a beautiful flower.   I don't profess to know much, but what I do know is this: Faith, Hope and Love are powerful virtues. The only constant in life is change. I am responsible for my own happiness. What is put out into the world, comes back to us. Offering prayers, meditations, energy and thoughts for healing and peace in our country and the world.  May the days ahead be brighter. May the seeds we sow create a garden of Love and Peace.   Namaste!

As this Presidential Election comes to its finality, let us pray: May We the People follow the examples of those who created this great land of Liberty and Justice for all.  May we continue the tradition of sharing our bounty with those in need. And, may our privilege never cause us to lose sight of our responsibilities to Freedom.  Amen, Blessed Be, Aho!

Blur of Time Photo Credit: 2016 Linda M. Rhinehart Neas Now, is the time! Look to this day,  for it is life,  the very breath of life.  In its brief course lie  all the realities of your existence;  the bliss of growth,  the glory of action,  the splendor of beauty.  For yesterday is only a dream,  and tomorrow is but a vision.  But today, well lived,  makes every yesterday a dream of happiness,  and every tomorrow  a vision of hope.  Look well, therefore, to this day. (Kalidasa, Ancient Sanskrit) This ancient Hindu quote has been rewritten in many forms. Regardless of how it is read, the message is simple.  Live in the moment. Today is where our minds and hearts must be in order to make the memories of the past and to the create visions of tomorrow.  If we linger too long in either the past or the future, we miss out on opportunities in the present.  Think about it... ...

Let's Be Brave by Edgar A. Guest Let's be brave when the laughter dies And the tears come into our troubled eyes, Let's cling to the faith and the old belief When the skies grow gray with the clouds of grief, Let's bear the sorrow and hurt and pain And wait till the laughter comes again... Let's be brave when the joy departs Till peace shall come to our troubled hearts, For the tears must fall and the rain come down And each brow be pressed to the thorny crown; Yet after the dark shall the sun arise, So let's be brave when the laughter dies. May all those who have battled the ravages of hurricane, cyclone, floods and earthquake be blessed with quick relief, loving aid and compassionate hands to help them through this dark time.

    (c) 2016 Mystic's Moon by Linda M. Rhinehart Neas The poet known as Rumi was a Sufi Mystic who lived in the 13th century.  His words have often brought me peace, understanding and joy.  These are but a few of the quotes that have touched my heart and soul over the years.  May the bless you, now. “Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere.  They’re in each other all along.” “Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing there is a field.  I’ll meet you there.” “In your light I learn how to love.  In your beauty, how to make poems.  You dance inside my chest where no-one sees you,  but sometimes I do,  and that sight becomes this art.”

Gentle Creator  On this day of sad reflection. Let us not forget those who were taken from us, Those whose lives were cut short, Those who never got to break bread with us, Or, share their dreams.  Let us not forget their laughter, or the twinkle in their eyes. Gentle Creator  On this day of remembrance, Let us never forget Your Love. May those who have died  Live forever in the peace denied them in this life.  Amen.  © 2016 Rev. Linda M. Rhinehart Neas