May 2008
ONE SMALL STEP TOWARD PEACE, DIFFERENT FAITHS WORKING TOGETHER
Posted by Doug on May 31, 2008
A nearly completed new Bethel Missionary Baptist Church burned to the ground several weeks ago here in Dutchess County, NY. Since then there has been a positive outcry of financial, emotional and spiritual support as ten plus congregations join as brothers and sisters to help this church recover from their loss. Several Catholic Churches have come together in prayer and taken up collections for this congregation. They have been joined by Methodist, Episcopal, Presbyterian, Greek Orthodox, Christian Reform and other churches something which I believe would not have been possible several years ago. The ecummenical movement certainly is alive and well here and in many other places in the world as people who are experiencing difficulties and tragedies are being helped and prayed for no matter what faith, belief or even non-belief they subscribe too. The idea that “we may be one”, that we are one is expressed in the bible and a group responsible for unity and brother which also has a living city in Dutchess County, Mariapolis Luminosa, is Focolare. This rich and diversified movement in 182 countries with over 33 little cities world wide reaches over 5 million people. These people headed by their founder Chiara Lubich recently deceased, is all about the fulfillment of Jesus’ prayer to the Father: “May they all be one” (Jn 17:21). This movement with over 1000 social programs pursues Economy Of Communion, and Unity in Politics with the purpose of unity across party lines, putting the common good first. This is certainly true with the actions and prayers of these Church communities here in Wappingers Falls and beyond in Dutchess County, NY. We too pray that we may all be one, for as brothers and sisters we are all one on this small, fragile sphere we call home except most people are unaware of this fact.
THE BEATITUDES RING IN A BEAUTIFUL AND SIMPLE MESSAGE OF LOVE AND SERVICE!
Posted by Doug on May 30, 2008
Matthew Chapter (5:3-10) The Beatitudes (from Latin “beatus”, meaning “blessed”) in other words a blessing, is the beginning portion of the Sermon on the Mount What a simple but powerful message on peace, service and knowing the best place in life to be.
One again as with our BILLION BELLS FOR PEACE these blessings deal with Peace in THREE major ways: peace with God; the inner peace; peace among people. As a global family it is imperative that we have peace among all peoples who are looking for peace.
And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain, and when he was set down, his disciples came unto him. 2 And opening his mouth he taught them, saying: 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. The poor in spirit… That is, the humble; and they whose spirit is not set upon riches. 4 Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land. 5 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 6 Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill. 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the clean of heart: they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. 10 Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and persecute you, and speak all that is evil against you, untruly, for my sake: 12 Be glad and rejoice for your reward is very great in heaven.
If we can contemplate and live these simple blessings and truths we may indeed find world peace but only through the help of that higher power.
WITCHES CAST SPELLS FOR PEACE AS WEDDING BELLS RING FOR THE PRESIDENTS DAUGHTER
Posted by Doug on May 11, 2008
Witches in the Middle Ages as wise older women who had important inner knowledge became a perceived threat to the clergy and were therefore said to be evil. As we all know there are both good and not so good clergy and the same holds true for witches. Being women they also held a lower place on the social scale(possibly a nonexistent place) they were more often than not, demonized, outcast and burned at the stake.
Here however is a lovely Wiccan Spell for Peace and Harmony
Items needed:
* Rose quartz
* A Mirror
* A Pink Candle
Light the pink candle and place it in front of the mirror. Holding the rose quartz in your hands, gaze at the flame reflected in the mirror and chant the following:
O blessed and reflected light
Bring to me peace this night
Let my mind and heart be free
And filled with love and harmony
COULD THIS KIND OF STRAIGHT TALK RING IN A CLIMATE OF FREEDOM & PEACE?
Posted by Doug on May 5, 2008
The following was thought to be a statement by Prime Minister John Howard – Australia but it seems to have several other possible origins….It does however have some points to ponder and takes a rather firm stance on the history and traditions of a nation. Should these things be respected as one would hope if someone came into your home? How can we foster this type of understanding? ………….
Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of Australia, as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks.
Separately, Howard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying he supported spy agencies monitoring the nation’s mosques. Quote:
IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali , we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians.’
‘This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom’
‘We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society . Learn the language!’
‘Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.’
‘We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.’
‘This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom,
‘THE RIGHT TO LEAVE’.’
‘If you aren’t happy here then LEAVE. We didn’t force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted.’
Maybe if we circulate this amongst ourselves, American and Canadian citizens will find the backbone to start speaking and voicing the same truths.
MAY 1st, NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER AS BELLS RING TO START THE WEDDING SEASON
Posted by Doug on May 1, 2008
Even though many events were planned and took place on this National Day of Prayer if it were a sport or political venue it would have been front page news. May is the beginning of the wedding season and as bells ring in these special events many future families look toward a spring time of children and new life. The family is the basis of society and as we can see at a polygamous Texas compound it was not all good news for families. Our world is changing more rapidly than we would like but families need to stay grounded and monogamous for our country to thrive and for us to make a positive impact on the world. What is our prayer today if not a prayer of freedom, peace, love and justice for all? Will we cultivate good or bad culture, will we cultivate truth and understanding, patience and fraternity? With all that is happening in the world is our prayer make for a brighter future? Will our children be up to facing the interesting challenges that are certainly going to be upon them? How will we groom them to face this uncertain future and be stewards of the earth? Will it be enough to share with them our positive values, educate them to focus and yet to look at the broad picture, teach them courage and some wisdom? How will they compete with the emerging Eastern nations , pollution, new energy sources and learning to have understanding and fraternity with other peoples much different then they?
