LOVELIGHT

magazine

May 2009***Vol. 6, no.5

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Managing Editors: Adamaria Francis and a Franciscan Taoist

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Special acknowledgments , and sincere public recognition, of, and thanks to, the following fine spiritual friends, contributors to this issue:  Barbara Baty, Jim Dwyer, Mick Gallagher, Pinky Munawar,  Karina Sandlin, Ruth Sembiro, Tom Sitati, Ty Scharrer, and Cherigene Slaughter, Michelle Spivey

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LOVELIGHT MAGAZINE: WHAT WE'RE ALL ABOUT

    

Lovelight magazine is free, coming to your inboxscreen monthly, to announce the beauty of Love!  And we love to laugh!:)  So, if you discover any good chuckles, please send them along!:)  But no bigoted, prejudiced, scatological, geruntological, low-quality, or poor-taste humor, please. 

     Still, life is not all laughs.  So, we hope also to share happy thoughts.  Lovelight wants to promote harmony among all people, all over the world, and to aid you to feel good!:)  If you are working on any religious, psychological, or spiritual issues, we encourage you to read the ezine, and to write to us at rmfrancis@juno.com  

     Also, if you come across any wise or touching pieces, not copyrighted, fairly short, please share them with us!  Also welcome are good jokes, practical tips, short pieces on personal philosophies, interesting facts, wordplays, and general spirituality (but no "preachy" dogma, please.:).  We reserve the right to make whatever changes we deem necessary or desirable before inclusion in Lovelight.

      A subscription is free.  As a subscriber, your email name/address will not be shared.  Please share, send, or copy, this magazine, or any parts of it.  Share it as widely as possible, with all your friends, and all others.  Please use it on  your websites and bulletinboards.  Please photocopy, email, or snailmail any parts of it to others.  Also, please have friends send us their emailaddress and subscribe.  Subscriptions are free.

     This is "light" reading.  And it is also great, fun reading.  A collection of magazines is produced once a year.  We have published four volumes (2004-2007), and this would make a sweet gift for a loved one.  Happy reading!:)

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LOVELETTERS FROM BUDS, PALS, AND FRIENDS

 

from Ruth Sembiro of Love Ministries of Uganda:

 

"Greetings and love to you from the Love ministries of Uganda.  I am so glad to inform you that we received the money you sent us $ 100 dollars through western union.   It was so beautiful to receive your loving offer to us, and we ask God who is love to continue multiplying you in all ways.

     "The money we receive from the love ministries is used to help the needy and suffering people around the community.  We usually visit homes on Tuesdays and Identify the needy families and we are so glad that the Love ministries is enabling us to meet some of these peoples needs.  We have so far taken over the responsibilities of taking care of 3 children (orphans) to pay school fees for them and also provide some requirements to enable them acquire some skills of education.  Two of them are in primary level and another one is in secondary level.  Also a certain Mzee called Magarate (stays alone and does everything on her own, her only kid she has is also helpless) the ministry is devoted to help her through her difficult time she is going through.  She developed cancer, first on the leg and now has spread to other parts of the body.  The wound at the leg has failed to cover up instead it is widening and last month the team visited her she was in great pain also complaining of the throat problem.  The ministry is giving her some support by providing some medication to relieve the pain.

     "The money we have recieved $100 dollars is going to help us buy food and other requirements for the families we are going to identify and also help those categories mentioned above.

     "We are so grateful and may God bless you so much.

 

Love, Joy and Peace to you all,

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 from Pinky Munawar of Love Ministries of Pakistan:

 

"Greetings! Wonderful mighty name of Christ Jesus.

Precious Sister, Adamaria Francis , Our Love Ministries of Pakistan Much thankful for Your Prayer Support + Financial Support.

Thousands Children of Pakistan Nations Orphan + very poor Children are Coming to Christ Jesus Love .

Our Love Ministries of Pakistan Start Weekly meetings in Different areas of Pakistan.

Please remembers us in your Daily Prayers.

We Love Much with Love Ministries of USA,

  HAPPY EASTER  FROM PAKISTAN NATIONS TO SISTER ADAMARIA SHI  FRANCIS LOVE MINISTRIES OF USA.

With Love in Christ,

Love Ministries of Pakistan.

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From Tom Sitati of Love Ministries of Kenya:

 

"Thank you so much for the money you sent to me by the end of march, I am sorry I was not able to come to Town and read my emails, we are busy in our farms, this is a miracle to me.

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Also from Tom:  "The Lord is so good, it is still a great joy for the Love Ministries orphans because we were able to buy 2 bags of 180 pounds each of corn and now the children who were in a very bad condition as a result of a severe hunger are gaining strength. I had arranged with the families of  our fellowships to give the children at least one meal per day but it was still not working so well, though we kept the faith and as I have already said the 100 dollars you sent has worked as a miracle to get us out of the bad situation of hunger.

     "We are very happy for the vision of house church we are able to at least get a cup of tea and also as we meet in houses we see each others needs and as God provides we are able to share.

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FIVE TINY STEPS TO QUIT BEING SUCH A JERK, sent in by Barbara Baty, written by Leo Babauta.

 

Consideration is thinking of others, and not just yourself. ItÕs a key concept that makes such a difference in life that itÕs one of the few things I really want to teach my children.

     ItÕs so sad because I see so many inconsiderate people around me every day — people who only care about what they want and donÕt think of others, donÕt see things from the perspective of others-- people who cut you off in traffic, who cut in front of you in line, who say rude things, who take your parking spot, who hurt your feelings.  I try to brush these things off, but itÕs unfortunate that so many people are so inconsiderate.

     Thing is, they arenÕt trying to be mean or rude; they just arenÕt thinking of others.  And I donÕt think theyÕre aware of this.  I think they think theyÕre being perfectly fine, and donÕt think of themselves as inconsiderate.

     IÕm a good example:  I think IÕm fairly considerate, but there are plenty of times when IÕm inconsiderate without realizing it.  I realized,É that I had been rude to someone yesterday.  Then I started to think of all the ways IÕd been selfish recently.  And I realized that IÕm not as perfect as I think.

     You probably arenÕt either.  While you might not be the ŌjerkĶ I called you in the title of this post, there are very few of us who are considerate without fail.  I have an uncle who is the most considerate person I knowÉ and he can skip this postÉ.

     What are the consequences of being more considerate?  To start with, I think it feels good:  We like being kind to others, doing nice things for others, making others happier. Second, it makes our lives better in so many other ways:  People will treat you with more respect and kindness, will like you better, will be more likely to want to work with you and be with you.  Third, it makes society better:  When we all treat each other with consideration, we live better together, we work better together, we cooperate.  Sure, there will always be jerks, but if we can make them a minority, society will be better overall.

     At the very least, you can say with [certainty] that youÕre not one of those jerks.  And thatÕs a good thing, right?

     1. Admit youÕre not perfect.  IÕll be the first to say it:  IÕm far from perfect.  IÕm a jerk sometimes.  IÕm inconsiderate and selfish sometimes.  And I donÕt usually realize it until later.  If you think youÕre not a jerk, at least admit that you are inconsiderate at times.  Try to recall those times. Think of how you could have acted differently.  This is the first step, and itÕs an important one.

     2. Place yourself in the shoes of others.  This is the key to consideration — to consider the feelings and needs and wants of others, to see things from their perspective.  Try to think of what others are going through, what youÕd want if you were in their situation.  This isnÕt always easy, but it gets easier with practice.  And even if youÕre not correct in your assumptions about what another person wants or feels or is going through É the important thing is that youÕre making the effort, and itÕs a transformative one.

     3. Act with compassion and kindness.  If someone else is suffering, even a little, try to ease her suffering in some way.  Treat others with kindness, respect, Love.  Do it in little ways — a smile, a kind word, a thank you, a hug, doing something to ease her burden, going out of your way to be courteous-- holding open a door, letting another person in front of you in traffic.  Little tiny acts will make a huge difference.

     4. Practice, practice.  Old habits die hard, especially ones like this where we rarely think about it.  Keep it in the forefront of your consciousness by making every interaction with another person a chance to practice being considerate.  Every time you talk to someone, email someone, see someone on the street É make this an opportunity to practice consideration.  Practice, and practice some more.  ThatÕs the only way you get good at anything.

     5. Do 5 little things.  As a way to practice, make it a goal to do 5 little things each day that are kind and considerate.  It doesnÕt matter what those things are — cooking something for a family member, tidying up a bit, sending a nice thank-you email to a co-worker, lending a hand to a friend, being there to listen to someoneÕs problems-- IÕm sure you could think of a thousand little things.  Do this every day, and youÕll soon be a pro.

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WORDS BY WHICH TO THINK AND LIVE, sent in by Barbara Baty


"Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow;  it empties today of its strength."
                                                -- Corrie Ten Boom

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"It is our choices that show who we are, far more than our ability."-- J.K. Rowlings
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"It may be that when we no longer know what to do, we have come to our real work, and when we no longer know which way to go, we have begun our real journey."-- Wendell Berry

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CHUCKLES AND SNORTS: HUMORTHERAPY

 

SKINNY DIPPING, sent in by Karina Sandlin

 

A man had owned a large farm, with a huge pond, for several years.  The pond was perfect for swimming, so he fixed it up with picnic tables, horseshoe courts, and some apple and peach  trees.

     One evening, he decided to go down to the pond, and he grabbed a five-gallon bucket  to bring back some fruit.  

     He heard voices shouting and laughing with glee.  He saw it was a bunch of young women skinny-dipping.  When aware of his presence, they all went to the deep end.

     One of them shouted, "We're not coming out until you leave!"

     He smiled, and said, "I didn't come to watch you ladies swim naked or make you get out of the pond naked."  Holding the bucket up, he said, "I'm here to feed the alligators."

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SAYINGS OF THE JEWISH BUDDHA, sent in by Barbara Baty

 

 1. If there is no self, whose arthritis is this?***2.   Be here now.  Be someplace else later.  Is that so complicated?***3.   Drink tea and nourish life; with the first sip, joy; with the second sip, satisfaction; with the third sip, peace; with the   fourth, a Danish.***4.   Wherever you go, there you are.  Your luggage is another story.***5.   Accept misfortune as a blessing.  Do not wish for perfect health, or a life without problems.  What would you talk about?***6.   The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single "Oy!"***7.   There is no escaping karma.  In a previous life, you never called, you never wrote, you never visited.  And whose fault was that?***8.   Zen is not easy.  It takes effort to attain nothingness.  And then what do you have?  Bupkis!***9.  The Tao does not speak.  The Tao does not blame.  The Tao does not take sides.  The Tao has no expectations.***10.  The Tao demands nothing of others.  The Tao is not Jewish.***11.  Breathe in.  Breathe out.  Breathe in.  Breathe out.  Forget this and attaining Enlightenment will be the least of your problems.***12.  Let your mind be as a floating cloud.  Let your stillness be as a wooded glen.  And sit up straight.  You'll never meet the Buddha with such rounded shoulders.***13.  Deep inside you are ten thousand flowers.  Each flower blossoms ten thousand times.  Each blossom has ten thousand petals.  You might want to see a specialist.***14.  Be aware of your body.  Be aware of your perceptions.  Keep in mind that not every physical sensation is a symptom of a terminal illness.***15.  The Torah says, "Love your neighbor as your self."  The Buddha says, "There is no self."  So, maybe we're off the hook!

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WATCH OUT FOR JESUS!, sent in by Barbara Baty


A burglar broke into a house.  He shone his flashlight around, looking for valuables when a voice said, "Jesus is watching you."
He nearly jumped out of his skin, and froze.  When he heard nothing more, he continued.  Just as he pulled the stereo out,  he heard, "Jesus is watching you."
Freaked out, he shined his light around frantically, looking for the source of the voice.  Finally, his flashlight beam came to rest on a parrot.  "Did you say that?" he hissed.

     "Yep", the parrot confessed, then squawked, "I'm just trying to warn you that he is watching you."
The burglar relaxed.  "Warn me, huh?  Who in the world are you?"
"Moses," replied the bird.

     "Yeah?  What kinda crazy nut names a bird 'Moses'?"

     "The same kind that names a Rotweiler 'Jesus.'"

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I THINK NOT, sent in by Ty Scharrer

 

1596 - Rene Descartes is born. 'Father of modern philosophy'

Descartes is most famous for his very well-known line, "I think, therefore I am."  Because he could think,, he could prove to himself that he existed.
 
Rene Descartes walks into a bar and orders a drink, which he drinks.  
The bartender asks him if he wants another.  Descartes says "I think not," and disappears.

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FIXING THE ECONOMY, sent in by Jim Dwyer, from the St. Petersburg, Florida Times:

 

"Instead of giving billions of dollars to companies that will squander the money on lavish parties and unearned bonuses, use the following  plan:  You can call it the Patriotic Retirement Plan.

There are about 40 million people over 50 in the work force.  Pay them $1 million apiece severance for early retirement with the following stipulations:  1) They MUST retire.  Forty million job openings—unemployment solved.  2) They MUST buy a new American CAR.  Forty million cars ordered--

Auto Industry fixed.  3) They MUST either buy a house or pay off their mortgage-- Housing Crisis fixed.  It can't get any easier than that!  If more money is needed, have all members of Congress and their constituents pay their taxes!  If you think this would work, please forward this to everyone you know.

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 POEM, by Michelle Spivey

 

Detox

Turn off the box that sells botox... and do not tell Dililah about chore locks !

Found yourself stuck between a hard place and rocks ?

Dat's cuz you flyin' with the wrong flocks !

And why you still gettin' your news from fox? ?

Did you know you could be free from the box ?

I'm just askin' cuz many people forget to tell.

there is a heaven and yes, there is a hell

sound the trumpets and ring da bell

do not follow the devil... he fell

don't believe the lies, he can't cast a spell

Truth, Jesus is alive ... and He is doin' quite well

So stop thinkin' the way the world thinks

cuz the way the world thinks stinks !

Let me make this clear

There will be no fear in here.

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DEFEATING PROCRASTINATION, sent in by Barbara Baty, from "Zen Habits," by Leo Baubata:

 I have nothing against [procrastination], but for those of you who want to beat procrastination, here are nine simple steps:


1. First make sure you really, really, really want to do it.  Seriously - donÕt skip this step.***2. Keep things simple - donÕt mess with tools, formatting, anything, just start.***3. Make it the first thing you do today, before checking email or anything else.***4. Clear away everything that stands in the way of doing. Including turning off the Internet.***5. Just get started.  Overcome the initial barrier by diving in.***6. Tell yourself youÕre just going to do 10 minutes.***7. Prioritize your "To-Do" list by putting the things you dread MOST at the top of your "To-Do" list — You must do this prioritizing OR   you will put off doing the things you dread most by doing the things you dread least. (This is called "Structured Procrastination.)***8. Find something about it that excites you.***9. Forget about perfection.  Just start doing it, and fix it later.  Life isnÕt all about productivity, so, be kind to yourself and take time to relax as well as being productive.! 

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HELPING ANIMALS, sent in by Jim Dwyer

 

This is pretty simple.  Please tell ten friends to each tell a further ten today!  The Animal Rescue Site is having trouble getting enough people to click on it daily so they can meet their quota of getting free food donated everyday to abused and neglected animals.  It takes less than a minute (about 15 seconds) to go to their site and click on the purple box 'fund food for animals for free'.  This doesn't cost you a thing.
 
 Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate food to abandoned/neglected animals in exchange for advertising. Here's the website!  Please pass it along!  http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/
 AGAIN, PLEASE TELL FRIENDS!

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MORE WAYS TO HELP ANIMALS, sent in by Cherigene Slaughter

Dear Friends,

I have just read and signed the petition: "Ban the Gas Chamber for Animals in Michigan!".

Please take a moment to read about this important issue, and join me in signing the petition.  It takes just 30 seconds, but can truly make a difference.  We are trying to reach 50000 signatures-- Please sign here: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/900398769

Once you have signed, you can help even more by asking your friends and family to sign.

Thank you!

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THE BEAUTIFUL SYMMETRY OF MATH, sent in by Jim Dwyer
 
1 x 1 = 1
 11 x 11 = 121
 111 x 111 = 12321

 1111 x 1111 = 1234321
 11111 x 11111 = 123454321
 111111 x 111111 = 12345654321
 1111111 x 1111111 = 1234567654321
 11111111 x 11111111 = 123456787654321
 111111111 x 111111111=12345678987654321
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THE OHIO PUPPY MILL BILL, sent in by Cherigene Slaughter
 

Dear Ohio Dogfriends,

Please join us in our effort to pass The Ohio Puppy Mill Bill.  The bill has been re-written to please all interested parties and includes a ban on dog auctions in Ohio.

The Puppy Mill Bill will address the problems you might have seen on OprahÉ

 Please contact your Ohio State Senator and State Representative to ask them to co-sponsor the bills.

 

Find  your  State Representative <http://www.house.state.oh.us/>
Find your State Senator <http://www.senate.state.oh.us/>

For more information on the bill and puppy mills in Ohio, visit,
www.ColumbusDogConnection.com <http://www.columbusdogconnection.com/>

 For the Dogs,
Kellie DiFrischia
ColumbusDogConnection.com
kdifrischia@gmail.com

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CANCER AND ASPARAGUS, sent in by Jim Dwyer

 

A man sought asparagus for a friend who had cancer.  He [had]É an article, entitled, "Asparagus for cancer," printed in Cancer News Journal, December 1979.   
I will share it hereÉ:  "I am a biochemist, and have specialized in the relation of diet to
health for over 50 years.  Several years ago, I learned of the discovery of Richard R. Vensal,É that asparagus might cure cancer.

     Since then, I have worked with him on his project.  We have accumulated a number of favorable case histories.    Here are a few examples:

     Case No. 1, A man with an almost hopeless case of Hodgkin's disease (cancer of the lymph glands) who was completely incapacitated.  Within 1 year of starting the asparagus
therapy, his doctors were unable to detect any signs of cancer, and he was back on a schedule of strenuous exercise.

     Case No. 2: A successful businessman, 68 years old, who suffered from cancer of the bladder for 16 years.  After years of medical treatments, including radiation, without
improvement, he went on asparagus.  Within 3 months, examinations revealed that his bladder tumor had disappeared and that his kidneys were normal.

     Case No. 3:  A man who had lung cancer.  On March 5, 1971, he was put on the operating table where they found lung cancer so widely spread that it was inoperable.  The surgeon sewed him up and declared his case hopeless.  On April 5, he heard about the asparagus therapy and immediately started taking it.  By August, x-rays revealed that all signs of the cancer had disappeared.  He is back at his regular business
routine.   
Case No. 4:  A woman who was troubled for a number of years with skin cancer.  She finally developed different skin cancers which were diagnosed by asking specialist as
advanced.  Within 3 months after starting on asparagus, her skin specialist said that her skin looked fine and no more skin lesions.  This woman reported that the asparagus therapy also cured her kidney disease, which started in 1949.  She had over 10 operations for kidney stones, and was receiving government disability payments for an inoperable, terminal, kidney condition.  She attributes the cure of this kidney trouble entirely to the asparagus.   

 

I was not surprised at this result, as `The elements of materia medica', edited in 1854 by a Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, stated that asparagus was used as a popular remedy for kidney stones.  He referred to even experiments, in 1739, on the power of asparagus in dissolving stones.    We would have other case histories but the medical
establishment has interfered with our obtaining some of the records.  I am therefore appealing to readers to spread this good news and help us to gather a large number of case histories that will overwhelm the medical skeptics about this unbelievably simple and natural remedy.    For the treatment, asparagus should be cooked before using,
and therefore canned asparagus is just as good as fresh.

     I have corresponded with the two leading canners of asparagus, Giant and Stokely, and I am satisfied that these brands contain no pesticides or preservatives.  Place the
cooked asparagus in a blender and liquefy to make a puree, and store in the refrigerator.  Give the patient four full tablespoons twice daily, morning and evening.   
Patients usually show some improvement in from 2-4 weeks. It can be diluted with water and used as a cold or hot drink.  This suggested dosage is based on present experience,
but certainly larger amounts can do no harm; they might be needed in some cases.   
As a biochemist, I am convinced of the old saying that "what cures can prevent."  Based on this theory, my wife and I have been using asparagus puree as a beverage with our meals. We take 2 tablespoons diluted in water to suit our taste with breakfast and with dinner.  I take mine hot and my wife prefers hers cold.  For years, we have made it a practice to have blood surveys taken as part of our regular checkups.

     The last blood survey, taken by a medical doctor who specializes in the nutritional approach to health, showed substantial improvements in all categories over the last one,
and we can attribute these improvements to nothing but the asparagus drink.   
As a biochemist, I have made an extensive study of all aspects of cancer, and all of the proposed cures.  As a result, I am convinced that asparagus fits in better with the latest theories about cancer.  Asparagus contains a good supply of protein called histones, which are believed to be active in controlling cell growth.  For that reason, I
believe asparagus can be said to contain a substance that I call, "cell growth normalizer."  That accounts for its action on cancer and in acting as a general body tonic.   
In any event, regardless of theory, asparagus used as we suggest, is a harmless substance.    The FDA cannot prevent you from using it; and it might do you
much good.  It has been reported by the US National Cancer Institute, that asparagus is the highest tested food containing glutathione, which is considered one of the
body's most potent anticarcinogens and antioxidants.

     Please spread the news!

 

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A TRUE STORY, sent in by Barbara Baty

 

My name is Mildred Hondorf. I've always supplemented my income by teaching piano lessons--something I've done for over 30 years.  I found that children have many levels of musical ability.  I've never had the pleasure of having [taught] a prodigyÉ.  However, I've had 'musically challenged' pupils.  One was Robby. Robby was 11 years old [at the time of] his first piano lesson. I prefer that students begin at an earlier ageÉ.

     But Robby said that it had always been his mother's dream to hear him playÉ. From the beginning I thought it was a hopeless endeavor. RobbyÉ lacked the sense of tone and basic rhythm needed to excelÉ.

     He tried while I listened, cringed, and tried to encourage him. He'd always say, "My mom's going to hear me play someday."

     I knew his mother only from a distance as she dropped Robby off.  Then, Robby stopped coming to our lessons.  I É assumed because of his lack of ability, that he had decided to pursue something else. I also was gladÉ. He was a bad advertisement!

     Several weeks later, I mailedÉ a flyer on the upcoming recital.   To my surprise RobbyÉ asked [whether] he could be in the recital.  The recital was for current pupils; because he had dropped out, he did not qualify.  He said that his mother had been sick and unable to take him to piano lessons; but he was still practicing!

     "Miss Hondorf, I've just got to play!" he insisted.

     The recital [finally] came. I put Robby up last in the program.

     [It] went off without a hitchÉ.  Then, Robby came up on stage.  His clothes were wrinkled and his hair looked like he'd run an eggbeater through it.  Why didn't he dress up like the other students? Why didn't his mother at least make him comb his hair for this special night?

     Robby began.  I was surprised when he announced that he had chosen Mozart's Concerto #21 in C Major.  I was not prepared for what I heard next. His fingersÉ danced nimbly on the ivories.  He went from pianissimo to fortissimo, from allegro to virtuoso.  The suspended chords that Mozart demands were magnificent! Never had I heard Mozart played so well by people his age. After six and a half minutes he ended in a grand crescendo and everyone was on her feet in wild applause!

     Overcome and in tears I ran up on stage and put my arms around Robby in joy. "I've never heard you play like that Robby!  How'd you do it?"

     Through the microphone Robby explained: "Remember I told you my Mom was sick?  Well, actually she had cancer and passed away this morning and well. ... She was born deaf so tonight was the first time she ever heard me play. I wanted to make it special."

     There wasn't a dry eye that evening.  As the people from Social Services led Robby from the stage to be placed into foster care, [it was] noticed that even their eyes were red and puffy.  How much richer life had been for taking Robby as a pupil!

     He was the teacher and I the pupil; for it is he that taught me the meaning of perseverance, Love, believing in yourself, and maybe even taking a chance on someone.

     Robby was killed in the senseless bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City in April of 1995. And now, a footnote to the story. 

If you are thinking about forwarding this message, you are probably thinking about which people on your address list aren't the 'appropriate' ones to receive this type of message. The person who sent this to you believes that we can all make a difference. So many seemingly trivial interactions between two people present us with a choice: Do we act with compassion or do we pass up that opportunity and leave the world a bit colder in the process?

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The following is an excerpt  from shi's newest endeavor Creating a Happier Life, to be published later this year:

 

Chapter 19/  Environments and You: Cleaning Up the "External Vibrations"

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     You are, wherever you go, surrounded by "energy."    This is often invisible, as is the case with electrical or magnetic energy.   But in the east, a completely different "energy" is recognized, and it can create or affect mental states, or mental health. 

     In traditional classical feng shui (pronounced "fung shway"), it is emphasized that things and people exist in an interwoven "sea of energy."  Objects give off "energy" that can heal; but they can also drain "energy," and this tends to make you sick, physically or mentally, or both.   This can make you sad, or depressed.

     Beautiful and serene paintings and works of lovely art usually give energy, as can bright colors, mirrors, candles, fountains, lights, tv's, statues, and a list of other everyday objects.

    You need to "clean up your energy environments."  This can actually enhance positivity and mental healing.  How can you make sure that the local world is giving energy that you can use to heal yourself, and not taking away the energy that you need?

    You can check with your own body.  If you are fairly regularly feeling fatigued, tired, or low-energy, you might need to make some corrective changes.  Anything that you do not like, or anything that makes you feel sad, is very likely an energy-thief, draining the energy that you need to feel good.  Anything from the past might be suspect, especially if it is from an old lover, represents a lover from the past, with whom you broke up, or is from a lover who has died.  Chances are good that these items might make you sad; if you do not get rid of them as soon as possible, they might make you feel even depressed.

    By happy contrast, if you have an active lover, try to pretend that you are just now only beginning to win his/her heart.  For

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Nothing in human experience brings more joy than being in Love.

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     So, try to "fall in Love" all over again.  Avoid strutting or boasting, but try to impress your lover with your intelligence, sense of beauty, wisdom, and, most of all, with your Love for him/her.

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Also, get rid of all things that you do not like.

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     Do this as soon as possible, and your recovery will be that much quicker.  And don't forget your computer; be sure to feng shui all your files, deleting those that are useless, or that represent problems, troubles, misunderstandings, or just "old stuff" now gone from your life.  Get rid of anything that represents a failed Love-affair, whatever the cause.   Delete failed friendships.

     Always remember that

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If an object is not "giving you" energy, chances are good that it is "stealing" it.

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If a thing makes you smile, laugh, or feel good, it is "giving you energy."

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Whenever or wherever possible, surround yourself with the things, environments, or people you like or love.

***** 

  And also, as the old rocksong reminds us, If you can't be with the ones you love, then try to love those whom you're with!  But if anything does not make you feel happier, or if it makes you sad, or elicits tears, likely you cannot afford to keep it.  You can be safe in assuming that a questionable object, letter, a postcard, a card, a small gift given to  you by someone who is no longer a positive part of your life, is adding to the "bad vibes" (negative draining energy) in your home or office.  These negative forces can add up and actually make you sick, or sicker.

     Be thorough; don't forget the garage, the attic, and the basement, as well as all the closets, file cabinets, or boxes full of old letters, mementos, and memorabilia.  People think that they like the sense of nostalgia that often arises from these; but the energy-costs are simply too high!  Do yourself a favor:  Get rid of them!  Do this as soon as possible!

    At every opportunity, embrace and welcome friends who value intelligence, beauty, peace, tranquility, spirituality, and other positive, healing aspects of the mind.  On the other hand, do your best to avoid people who are "energy-vampires" people who drain your energy through negative attitudes, actions, or words.  You cannot afford to have them anywhere near your personal energy-field.  In a crowded room, for example, try to stay at least five feet from an energy-vampire.

     You can recognize an energy-vampire with fair simplicity and fair accuracy:  She will always have a sour look on her face or one of pain or suffering; she will never have anything good to say about herself or anyone else; her conversation will tend always to the negative  (she will talk endlessly about diseases, catastrophes, and "how horrible the world is getting to be.")   She might be addicted to religion, politics, cigarettes, sex, tv, movies, radio, or other inappropriate "masters."

    She is likely forever to be discussing her own symptoms; she is always "sick," and, at times, she cannot be accurately diagnosed.  Some "vamps" have been diagnosed with, and treated for, real symptoms or diseases.  But a vamp is marked by the fact that she does not want to talk about anything else.

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The universe is filled with a hundred billion subjects for positive conversation.

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Of all this immense vastness, many topics or themes are positive; why, then, should you waste your time, expending energy, and lowering it, through chronic discussions of negativity?  You should not; so, refuse to get "sucked into" negative discussions.

     Refuse also any offer of friendship with a consistently negative person.  Here, you will have to be selective:

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Choose only positive people for friends; reject negative ones.

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This does not mean that you must be a "snob."  But, because there are six thousand million people on the planet (in 2009), you must choose.  You simply cannot "be friends" with each and every one.

    And it is only reasonable that, if you can find people who will uplift and encourage you, you will choose these over people who will tear you down, discourage you, and spew more negativity into your life.  For, again, these will make you only sicker.  We must come to see negativity as toxic, and so to go the extra mile to avoid it.  Try  to regard dangerous and life-draining negativity as you regard bacteria-laden sewage.  It stinks; it is perilous to your health and wellbeing.  It is not attractive.  You want sincerely, even desperately, to avoid it!

     So make sure to avoid negativity not only in its human form, but in all forms.  There might be certain animals from which you do not get good feelings.  Certain colors, certain sounds or musical forms, certain smells, and certain people might turn you off; avoid them all!

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Surround yourself, as often as possible, with only things/people you love.

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    The world, when viewed through the "screen" or "lens" of energy, can be an even more dangerous place than it appears.  You need not be a fanatic or extremist; in fact, try to avoid becoming oversensitive or carrying things too far.

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You are going to run into negative people every minute of every day.

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Likely, you simply cannot avoid this.   We do not want to practice avoidance to the point where we are suspicious of normal people, or a positive person merely having a "bad hair day."  A healthy person cannot be a hermit, or antisocial.

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All positive people have negative moments or moods.

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This does not mean that all are to be avoided.  Do not get uptight through overmonitoring or hypervigilance, for this is itself a psychological dysfunction.  Relax, most of the time, and around most people.  Let them go through their normal positive and negative phases.

*****

Avoid only those who are chronically or consistently negative.

*****

For these are the ones who will drain energy.   These are "toxic vampires."  Also, if a stranger, for example, simply "feels wrong," or feels "bad" or "untrustworthy," this might well be the guiding voice of intuition.  Following it will not harm you; but ignoring it can!  A lady once said that she followed the voice of her inner intuition in avoiding a clean-cut, smiling young man.  His name was Ted Bundy.

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Chapter 21/ Interior Inventory and Higher Power

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     To know yourself, two lists are recommended:  1) things that I like about myself, and 2) things that I do not like about myself.

     If you are honest-- and none of this will work without selfhonesty-- you will likely find that you cannot control or regulate all your weaknesses.  Indeed, in the Twelve-step Recovery-programs, it is emphasized that most major human challenges are uncontrollable by the ego-self.

     This is indeed an aspect or part of a very important school of the Way of Enlightenment called "Taoism."  In Taoism, it is emphasized that the wise must turn everything over to a higher, but mysterious, Power called the "Tao" (pronounced "dow"; this is a  Chinese word.)

    One problem is that neither Taoism nor the Twelve-step programs clearly define this mysterious interior Power.  So, we are going to attempt to simplify the matter of recovery by defining It:

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The interior higher Power is Love.

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     To allow this higher Power to act, speak, and even think through you, practice the thoughtfree state of meditation regularly.  Loving yourself, and/or other creatures, including human beings, is the Way to tap the interior reserve of this great and magnificent Power.  Let us always remember that

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Love is so much more than mere sex (biosex).

*****

At its zenith, Love might include "good" sex (that which expresses both Love and longterm commitment), but Love is by no means limited to sexual expression, as is implied in so much song and poetry.

    So, the recommendation of millions of addicts, and spiritual people, is to

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Turn your behavior and decisions over to Love.

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But where does one begin?

     Perhaps the self is a good start.  If you feel that you cannot love others immediately, you can at least do small acts that symbolize Love for the self.   Start by not driving yourself.

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Never demand more of yourself than you would of a sensitive, beloved friend.

*****

    Give yourself plenty of breaks, and rest often.  Give yourself small treats.  Make sure that your goals are not unreasonable, but moderate and achievable.    Anything that you really love to do, do more often.  Stop doing those things that you do not like.  And remind your body or your self that you are doing these things out of Love for the self.

     Always keep in mind that

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Almost everyone is Love-starved.

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Not only do most people feel that they never received enough Love as children, but they are also burdened by the secondary illusion that they are personally unlovable, or even that no one loves them.

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Our entire planet is Love-starved.

*****

     In history, religion was supposed to fill the natural human need for Love.  But, from this perspective,

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Religion has been a catastrophic failure.

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It has as regularly commanded people to murder each other as to love each other!  It has separated from spirituality, and become an intellectual thing of doctrines, dogmas, and rigid teachings.  People regularly mistake these teachings for "truth."

     But when the masters of history used the word "truth," they meant, not a list of teachings, but "reality."  (The Greek word alethea, for example, is correctly translated both ways.)   The only question remaining is, What is the supreme or ultimate Reality of the universe?

     Happily for us, sages and wise masters have asked this question dozens of times, and have left their discoveries to us, although it might take quite a search for us to fine their discoveries.  So, let's keep it super simple.  We will here summarize the teachings of the greatest masters and the most enlightened sages of all history and of every century and culture by saying:

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Only mind is Reality.

*****

     Everything else, from roses to stars, exists only in the mind. 

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The "physical, material" world is a complex dream or virtual reality.

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And the only real thing in all the galaxies of Mind is Love.

*****

     So, the "Way of truth" is not a particular religion, denomination, or cult.

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The Way of truth is the Way of Love.

*****

    No matter what your religious persuasion, you can make yourself and others much happier, and create peace everywhere, if you simply

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Abandon any divisive religion.

*****

    We discussed your godimage earlier in this book, and discovered how ready, even eager, people can become, in a white-hot frenzy of devotion, to persecute and even kill others in the name of religion.

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Persecution, and rejection, on the basis of religion, mark a sick religion.

*****

 

Epilog:  Courage,  Common Sense, and Love

***

 

    Love is the essence of all that is good in every faith. 

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Love is the core of all good teachings.

*****

It exists in all traditions in every land, culture, and century.  It can make you a better Catholic, Buddhist, or Baptist.

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Embracing Love is embracing all others unconditionally.

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That is why, as noted earlier, Love forges bonds between Christians and Jews, Jews and Muslims, believers and atheists.

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Love is intense and immense Power.

*****

    It sometimes looks weak.   When Hitlers engines of death were roaring angrily in battles, the idea of Love seemed insignificant, inconsequential, and feeble.  But all those armies, bombs, tanks, ships, and planes are gone.  And still, Love remains.

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Love has survived since the very beginning of history.

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And yet, entire empires have risen and fallen.

*****

    I submit, with many very wise and enlightened people, that

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Love is the greatest Power in the universe.

*****

     But it still requires "faith" to believe in Its Power.  And before Love can make us happy, we must be clear about what It is.  As ultimate or supreme Reality, It is indefinable, for It is infinite.

*****

Anything that can be understood by three pounds of gray matter is not very impressive.

*****

     So, we cannot hope to pin down the Infinite and Immeasurable to mere words.   But we can discuss some of the flowers of Love:   These include kindness, courtesy, tolerance, goodness, friendliness, mercy, compassion, and a long list of related qualities.  These subsystems can at least aid us to "wrap our minds around" what Love is.

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Love is not a matter of belief.

*****

It cannot possibly be measured in terms of belonging to a certain church or adopting certain doctrines, dogmas, or teachings.

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Love belongs equally to all people.

****

No one can deny It to another, for

*****

Love is an essential, universal psychological component and need.

*****

     Thus, no one exists, or can exist, "outside" the Power of Love.  Even those who claim to do just fine without It are often unconsciously starving for It.

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Everyone needs Love, although some pretend not to.

*****

     For the need for Love is not a weakness, but a universal hunger.  It includes the real need to discover or create happiness.  Thus, It is really a strength.

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Love is the only factor that can ever create happiness.

*****

So, the most direct Way to happiness is the Way of Love.  You can practice the Way within your chosen faith, provided that the faith is open enough.  Love can make you a better Presbyterian, Lutheran, or Methodist.  It can make you a better Buddhist or Hindu.

     But it is not permitted as a Way by microminority religions, such as Mormons or Jehovah's Witnesses.[1]  In strictly authoritarian religions and cults,

*****

You must often choose between Love and religion.

*****

     For these faiths, while often claiming "Love," operate on conformity.

 

    Take an honest inventory of your own religion.   Cultivate the steel-nerved courage to take a stand against any authoritarian conformity, and

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Insist on the freedom of Love.

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Love alone is powerful enough to rescue us from religions of cruelty and antiagapic (counter-Love) teachings.

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Commit all your timenergy to Love, and you will never regret it.

*****

For you can invest years of your very precious life in selling or preaching for a religion, only to realize, in the end, that

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Divisive religion stands against Love.

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And that which stands against Love is against God.  It is also against all living creatures, the human community, and your own personal best interests.

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  *****

 

JASMINE, sent in by Barbara Baty

 

In 2003, police in Warwickshire , England , opened a garden shed and found a whimpering, cowering dog.  It had been locked in the shed and abandoned.  It was dirty and malnourished, and had clearly been abused.

     In an act of kindness, the police took the dog, which was a Greyhound female, to the nearby Nuneaton Warwickshire Wildlife Sanctuary, run by a man named Geoff Grewcock and known as a willing haven for Animals abandoned, orphaned or otherwise in need.   

 Geoff and the other sanctuary staff went to work with two aims:  1) to restore the dog to full health, and  2) to win her trust.  It took several weeks, but eventually both goals were achieved.

     They named her Jasmine, and they started to think about finding her an adoptive home.

But Jasmine had other ideas.  No one remembers now how it began, but she started welcoming all Animal arrivals at the sanctuary.  It wouldn't matter if it was a puppy, a fox cub, a rabbit, or any other lost or hurting Animal, Jasmine would peer into the box or cage and, where possible, deliver a welcoming lick.

            Geoff relates one of the early incidents.  "We had two puppies that had been abandoned by a nearby railway line.  One was a Lakeland Terrier cross and another was a Jack Russell Doberman cross.  They were tiny when they arrived at the centre and Jasmine approached them and grabbed one by the scruff of the neck in her mouth and put him on the settee.  Then she fetched the other one and sat down with them, cuddling them.  But she is like that with all of our animals, even the rabbits.  She takes all the stress out of them and it helps them to not only feel close to her but to settle into their new surroundings.  She has done the same with the fox and badger cubs; she licks the rabbits and guinea pigs and even lets the birds perch on the bridge of her nose."

     Jasmine, the timid, abused, deserted waif, became the animal sanctuary's resident surrogate mother, a role for which she might have been born.  The list of orphaned and abandoned youngsters she has cared for comprises five fox cubs, four badger cubs, 15 chicks, eight guinea pigs, two stray puppies and 15 rabbits.  And one roe deer fawn. Tiny Bramble, 11 weeks old, was found semi-conscious in a field.  Upon arrival at the sanctuary, Jasmine cuddled up to her to keep her warm, and then went into the full foster mom role.  Jasmine the greyhound showers Bramble the Roe deer with affection and makes sure nothing is matted.

     "They are inseparable," says Geoff.  "Bramble walks between her legs and they keep kissing each other.  They walk together round the sanctuary. It's a real treat to see them."

     Jasmine will continue to care for Bramble until she is old enough to be returned to woodland life.  When that happens, Jasmine will not be lonely.  She will be too busy showering love and affection on the next Orphan or victim of abuse.

 

 

Every seed is awakened and so is all animal life.
It is through this mysterious power that  we too have our being and we therefore yield to our animal neighbors the same right as ourselves, to inhabit  this land.--  Sitting Bull

*****

*****

 

LOOKING FOR MICHAEL MARTIN

 

     If anyone remembers Dr. Michael Martin, from approximately  twenty  years ago, please drop a line to: rmfrancis@juno.com

Michael would be about age 56-65, and, when we knew him, had a beard.  He was a psychologist in the Florence, KY area.  There are a few karmic matters that need some finishing touches.

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[1] For an in-depth study of many factors operative in an authoritarian cult, please see my Jehovah Lives In Brooklyn: the Secrets of Jehovah's Witnesses (Liberty Township, Ohio; Love Ministries, Inc., 2007)