He Is Risen! Easter Sunday 2016

Holy week has officially come to a close with the celebrations that are being held today.  Three days ago, the son of God was crucified, given the death of criminals, made an example of to wash away the sins of those who believed.  He was entombed, wrapped as was the custom and laid upon the stone, to bring about what had been spoken of in prophecy.  That third day, it was women, visiting the tomb that learned that Christ had risen.  The tomb, empty, devoid of the body of Jesus.  

This is the miracle that is celebrated today.

If you've been following the blog, not that I've given it enough love and attention...you know that my belief structure pulls from both Eastern and Western religious ceremony.  Yes, I still observe the practice of Lent.  Fasting.  Easter.  Christmas.  Holi.  One day I will make it to India to celebrate Holi even though I am not a practicing Hindu, my believes find some of their teachings universal.  The same with Buddhism.  

My life is enriched by the spiritual practices I keep, and yes, I am celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  I have been baptized, received my first communion, and been confirmed in the Catholic Church.  I have given my membership with a Christian  Church, and have found a loving Church family.  However, my beliefs are not only based off the Christian Faith.  

I hope that this closure to holy week fills you with love, light, laughter and blessings.  

I'm off to eat a few pieces of chocolate, now that I can have it!  

The Season of Lent 2016

Forty days. 

Forty nights.

Fasting.  

Praying. 

Giving.  

I was born and raised Catholic.  I've stated this many a time.  Lenten observances are still something that I find myself doing.  An automatic thing to me.  It is natural to allow myself those forty days of cleansing, of focusing on my spirituality, and my faith.  Yes, part of my beliefs and my faith are rooted in Catholicism and Christianity as much as they have roots in faiths considered by the first two as pagan.  

The 2016 Lenten season for me is a bit different.  There are many things that I could choose from to give up: facebook, tumblr, twitter, instagram, and various other social media vices.  However, I have chosen instead to give up chocolate for the Lenten season.  Those that know me well, know that this is a very, very difficult thing for me to give up.  

I have had 4 pieces of chocolate since Lent started and those were Valentine's Day treats that were had on that Sunday.  Today, I indulged and had a few thin mints from the freezer.  Those are my indulgence sweets, but the remainder of the thin mints will remain until Easter Sunday - provided I have the willpower to leave them alone that long.  

There are several things I pray for during this Lenten season, and not all of them are for my own peace of mind and benefit.  I pray for those suffering across the world for many reasons, and I pray that love and light soon chase away the darkness that envelops them.   I could list so many more things that I offer up in prayer, but then we would be here all day.  

I am attempting to be more accountable for myself, and ensure that my life is lived in accordance with my beliefs.  This is something I will struggle with, and there are times I will fail.  However, I know there will be those who will hold me accountable and ensure that I once again find  the path that I am meant to take.

I leave you with the hope that your day is filled with blessings, love and light.  

Radio Silence - Broken

Since the last time I have written here quite a bit has happened.  Including in the ushering in of not one, but two new years.  The last two years have not entirely been easy for me, nor have they been completely without hope or bright spots.  Even in the dark, I manage to find some light to cling to in hopes that I do not get swallowed by the hate, negativity, and other malevolent forces that have laid claim to my life at the time. 

I have spent the last few weeks in a bit of retrospect I have learned that I am not devoting enough time to myself.  I give more of myself to others than I truly have at times.  I have been neglecting my passions: writing, photography, and moments of simple indulgence.  I don't do things for myself any more because I have been seeing them as things that aren't important and the resources for those things are more often than not redirected to things for others.  So I have felt completely drained when I should be allowing myself moments to recharge and indulge in me alone.  

I am an avid reader, and I have been attempting to keep up with my review blog, and that has been going well.  Aside from a few slips and a couple of weeks where I have not posted anything save for things that I had committed myself to.  I am behind on reviews, I am behind on quite a few things.  It is time that I stop making excuses and start getting things done that I need to get done.  I am the only one that can be held accountable for the promises that I make.  

Perhaps I take too much on to myself, I have an inability to say no.  I need to learn to use that word a bit more to others and saying yes to myself a bit more.  I need to restart my meditation time, be it in the shower with music blaring, or laying in my bed thirty minutes before bed to center myself and ensure that I am in the right headspace for when I wake in the morning and I can continue to live my life in a way that benefits everyone and especially me.  

In the last six months, I have also become a member at a Christian church.  As you know from reading this blog, I was raised Catholic and ultimately my belief system is much more diverse and cannot be laid claim to a singular label.  I pull from a variety of sources for my spirituality and I am as of yet, finding myself connected with this group of people - however there is quite a bit about me that this group does not know.  

I am a proud member of the LGBT community, and I do not adhere to the views that homosexuality is a sin.  We were all created in the image of a loving deity, and no mater who or what we are...we are loved and adored. 

I need to remember the following things this year and in the years to come: 

1. It is okay to say no

2. I am loved

3. I am allowed me time

4. I cannot solve all the problems

These are just a few of the things I need to remember, but they are by far some of the most important of them.  

As 2014 Comes to a Close

As December works its way closer and closer to it's end and January and 2015 inch closer and closer to their beginnings I am taking stock in what this year has brought me in terms of creativity.  I have 2 manuscripts that have been started - two stories that I am in the process of writing and working my way through.  One of which will be soon going in a completely different direction than it originally started once I get the things I need to begin planning it out and rewriting it.  

The two writing projects I am in the midst of are: 

1. The Heart of Evalian - NaNoWriMo 2014 novel with a current word count of 51264, and about 1/2 way to where it needs to be before the evil red pen of editing is taken to it. 

2. Black Spade, The Four Queens, Book 1 - Yup, a series.  Everyone knows the story of the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland.  However, there are 4 queens in a deck of cards.  Each story, will be stand alone for the most part, but have small interwoven details of the four queens: spades, hearts, diamonds, and clubs.  Though don't expect the Queen of Hearts to be anything like the one that Alice comes across in Wonderland.  *grins* This one will not be for the faint of heart, but it will get your pulse racing. 

Those are my writing projects, and hopefully something will come from them and ultimately I will begin working toward getting one or both of them published.  I'm not sure if Evalian  will end up being a series or not, but I know The Four Queens will be four books long. 

I've also got an abundance of photographs to edit and get situated, and will be taking more when I go to the Christmas parade. 

Much Neglected Space

Unfortunately both this blog and my book review blog have been sorely neglected the second half of this year, and I cannot exactly say why, other than I've been stressed beyond words with how things are going at the moment.  Financial responsibilities have more often than not made me wish for the days of college where I had very little financial responsibilities and spent most of my time actually enjoying what I was doing and the people I was with. 

At the moment there is no net, cable, telephone at the house simply because at the moment there isn't enough money to cover the cost of everything and ensure that the lights stay on and there is food on the table.  Work has been screwing around on my hours, and that simply adds to the stress when I am not making enough money to simply survive (though doing that on the paultry sum that fast food service pays is laughable), and so things have fallen by the wayside.  On top of all that, I have found myself in need of a cell phone, because smart phones, much like buttered toast, when you drop them land face first and when they land on the concrete, that tends to mean your screen now looks like a stained glass window - and is now a deadly weapon that targets the pads of your thumbs and index fingers alike when you text, answer calls, or do anything that even remotely requires you to touch the face of your phone.

However, on that note, I will have a new phone on the 17th of this month, and I will have the absolute JOY of downloading all my apps and hyper-organizing my phone.  My phone, my Kindle, and my computer are the major things that I tend to hyper-organize simply because those are the three things that I use most often on a daily basis.  Everything is exactly how I want it and when new things are added they are put in a specific place and that ensures that I can find it quickly and easily enough.

That just leaves the matter of finding enough money to find a net provider in our area that sucks a lot less than Comcast does.  While it would be beneficial to have a land line phone, it isn't actually a necessity any longer as we have 3 cell phones in the house.  However, at this time I doubt it would be something we can afford at this time.  We are also considering an alternative to cable in the form of something along the lines of Chromecast or Amazon TV.  The Amazon one would be optimal especially since we currently and continually support a prime membership for the benefits that it offers us, even though we very rarely order things from Amazon.

I got to spend time with a very good friend last night after work, and it was something that was needed as well as sorely missed.  Her blog is Random Thoughts and Jots, and I highly recommend checking her out.  I've known her for going on 15 years now, if not a bit more, she's been there for me for most of the things that have gone wrong, and I love her like a sister.  Her life hasn't been easy lately either, and we've both been muddling through it and trying to make the most of the absolutely crappy hand we've been dealt thus far. 

So far, 2014 is not ending on a high note, however there are still quite a few days left and hopefully something will begin to turn around for both me and my best friend, Jessie.  If not this year, then hopefully we will both find something better, something more fulfilling in 2015. 

And this is my update for the time being, and I wish all of you warmth and happiness.

Namaste,

Martha

Finding My Inner Beauty: My Struggle with Self-Image

“To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.”  ~Thich Nhat Hanh~

Self-image.  This is something that I struggle with.  I am slowly getting better with loving, and being comfortable in my skin.  I have always been overweight, I've always been the nerd.  It's not the nerd label that I've always had the issue with - I've above and beyond accepted my nerdiness, and will not change for anyone.  It is the overweight label that I've struggled with since I was a kid.  Bullies have been a common staple in my life - snide comments, questions of if I should or shouldn't eat something, and many other things have impacted me on levels that I've only recently learned. 

In sixth grade, I was bullied incessantly mainly because that was the year that I got my first pair of glasses.  So, not only was I fat, but I was the fat girl with glasses.  I recall one day, it was actually the day that it ended when I was bullied and demeaned so much that I burst into tears in the cafeteria at school.  The principle or dean had called him out on his behavior - yes, it was a boy, and no the old adage about 'he likes you if he picks on you' does not apply to this situation.  He had to publicly apologize to me and ended up receiving a two week in-school suspension, with a threat of suspension if his behavior continued. 

The bullying did not happen much during high school, but there were select instances - none that were as pronounced or memorable as that day in sixth grade.  I'd actually managed to get along with quite a few people at both the high schools I attended - and my nerddom continued throughout.  I was in various clubs and my friends were fantastic and helped boost my self-esteem and my self-image.  I even enjoyed going to things like homecoming and prom, because I felt good about myself.  The ups never lasted long though.  Depression sucks.  Being fat and hating the body you are in is something all together not a good thing. 

Looking back over the years I can mark the highs and lows, the happiness and the disgust at what I looked like.  Yes, there were boyfriends - not many because I was the heavy girl, and fat girls didn't usually get the guy.  But, the ones I got were decent enough, and treated me well enough (with exceptions) and the breakups weren't always my fault but thinking that I hadn't been enough, done enough was constantly a battle in my head when I was in and out of relationships in high school. 

Then, i went to college.  Enter the two girls that had turned out to be two of the biggest bullies that I'd -ever- experienced and I was stuck living with them for my freshman year. Things were well and good the summer before school started, and we even hung out - they even came to a P!nk concert with me at the House of Blues, however, when they learned part of who I was, they became slanderous and malicious toward me - and would constantly post rude and derogatory remarks on my message board outside our dorm room.  I ended up taking refuge with a few friends and ultimately found a way out of that room and into a room where I was accepted for who I was, and helped me deal with the bullying that had come from my first college roommates.  There was a time when I'd considered not coming back to school, because I'd had to deal with so much, but thankfully it did not perpetuate beyond that one semester - and once I was in a 'safer' room it made things easier and I enjoyed the remainder of my college experience. 

Finding people that accepted me for who I was, what I was, was something that hadn't happened since my little group in High School, and I enjoyed the fact that there were people that I could simply be myself with.  It was through college, that I learned to further be more accepting of who I was, it made the struggle easier.  It didn't end it entirely, but it was easier to bear the challenges.

To say that I have found the place where I am truly happy with myself, would be a lie.  But, to say that I am pleased with where I am now, would be accurate (though my employment situation needs to improve).  I have been progressively losing weight, health issues are getting better because of it and I am working on finding a place that will make me happier all around.

Lyrical Interlude: Monster by Skillet

Occasionally, while I am listening to a song a singular lyric or an entire verse will jump out at me and simply describe the mood that I'm in, or how something has made me feel recently.  Currently I've been listening to a lot of Skillet, simply because I adore them, but mainly because they have become my go to for attempting to recenter myself when I have no desire to resort to new age, or classical (though I use those often as well). 

Today, I'd been listening to Monster by Skillet, and this one particular verse simply stood out at me more than the rest of the song, and it can easily be applied to various things that have been going on in my life - and ultimately the fact that I'm attempting to figure out how to deal with certain situations and ultimately I'm not sure how things will play out and there are parts of me that I do keep hidden.  

It's hiding in the dark
It's teeth are razor sharp
There's no escape for me
It wants my soul,
It wants my heart

So, ultimately I find myself rewinding and listening to this particular part of the song over and over again.  What does it mean?  To what event in my life currently is it pointing to?  I do not have the answers, nor do I expect them to show themselves anytime soon.  However, I do hope that they surface soon enough.

Meditation

Lately, things have been somewhat crazy for me, and I've not had the time to meditate like I would normally.  This sadens me, and I will have to remedy the situation. I don't have the candles that I usually use for meditation, but I still have my stones, of which I will be doing a post for later (if I can managed to remember) complete with pictures.

I love meditating, it allows me to center myself, and actually get ready to face my day and not have to worry about this stress or that stress.  It gets me in the right frame of mind to focus on my day to day activities.

There are a couple of ways that I meditate, and it all depends on what my focus is. If I'm starting the day, or if it is the middle of the day, or if it is in the evening.  It also depends on what has been going on that has been stressing me, what has been going on that could potentially be a major cause of stress for me in the near future, and things of that nature. 

But, my process usually remains the same, just the focus changes during each meditation. 

I usually meditate for about 30-45 minutes (that is my -ideal- meditation time), but it is often less than that depending again on what is going on.

I usually find a quiet place (or relatively quite place if I'm at home) that I can settle myself, either sitting up or laying down (which ever is comfortable for that particular length of time).  I usually have the following things, depending on what I am using as the focal point of my meditation:

1. Music - Classical, New Age, Nature Sounds, Gregorian Chants.  The music you use is all preference, and as my musical tastes vary, my meditation music tends to vary as well.
2. Focal Point - Problem written on a slip of paper, Bible Verse written on a slip of paper, Particular stone

Normally, I would light a candle, or incense if I could  (unfortunately I usually can't) but I usually will add a little bit of my favorite lotion to give me a scent to focus on, because that usually helps me to focus a bit and keep my mind on what I'm doing.

Lately, I've used headphones and my mp3 player or a play list I've got stored on Pandora that has some of my favorite meditation tracks on it.

What are some of your favorite meditation techniques? Music?

Touch of Pagan: Litha - Summer Solstice

As always I preface this, with my usual statement.  You know my beliefs are those of many different religions.  There is no one religion that I practice, but pull from multiple to shape my beliefs.  If you cannot create a positive dialogue, and wish to bash or berate me for my beliefs, you will not be welcome here.

Today is a half-way point in the wheel of the year.  It is the celebration of the summer solstice, the first day of Summer (though, as I live in Florida - summer's been here a while already).  Litha, as today is often referred to is the ancient Germanic word for summer.  This is the time when the Sun God is believed to be at His strongest.  The Sun God is also known as the God of the Forest, and is often depicted seated on a throne of green wood.  It is ultimately from this, that the modern version of the Green Man has come about.  Also, during the merging of Christianity and Paganism, many visages of the Sun God wearing a mask of leaves were included in the architecture of early churches.  So, this is His day.

The themes of Litha are: sex, love, creativity, energy, luck, health and wishes.  

This is the time of year when, had I the means, would be gathering herbs and beginning the drying process. Why? Because this is the day that the herbs are the most potent when it comes to their magical properties.  Roots are to be gathered as the moon wanes and leaves and flower as the moon waxes.  Waiting too long after the solistice the herbs will begin to seed and lose potency.  Also, after each gathering or using any part of Mother Nature's resources, I thank the plant, and remember our debt to Mother Earth and Her children.

Had I the means, I would be performing my own Litha ritual, but as I'm still in the process of building my altar and acquiring things (as budget allows), and I am not near a spring (that is within easy walking distance).  I would be writing down a wish or perhaps two, adding them to my Litha inspired offering, such as a stone, feather or small flower.  Once that was done, I would meditate on the wish, keeping it focused in my mind and filled the offering with my meditation, it would be tossed with intention into the spring, or cauldron.  Once the spell was completed,ultimately the content of the cauldron would be emptied into a spring or other moving body of water.  As everything within the cauldron would be natural and not harmful to the environment, no harm would be done.

Here are some useful items for use on the Summer Solstice for your celebrations: 

Herbs:  Basil, chamomile, daisy, elder, pine, St. John's wort, tyme, yarrow, frankincense, fennel, lavender, and lily

Essential Oils/Incense: Frankincense, lemon, lavender, sandalwood, lotus, jasmine, rose, wisteria, and myrrh

Colors: yellow, white, red, blue, green, tan

Decoration: anything reminiscent of the sun, dried herbs, potpourri, fruits, summer flowers

Gemstones: Any green stone.

Foods: Mead, fresh fruits and veggies, lemonade, cookies and cakes decorated to honor the Sun, and of course plenty of ale.

Spellwork: Any maigck, but is especially beneficial for Animal Protection and Marriage & Vow Renewal spells.

Recipes and stuff: Can be found at the following link -  Litha Recipes

Touch of Pagan: Litha Recipes

As always I preface this, with my usual statement.  You know my beliefs are those of many different religions.  There is no one religion that I practice, but pull from multiple to shape my beliefs.  If you cannot create a positive dialogue, and wish to bash or berate me for my beliefs, you will not be welcome here.

Here you will find some useful  recipes for your own Litha (Summer Solstice) celebration.  Litha Incense, Orange Honey Butter, Easy Honey Mead.

Litha Incense

2 parts Sandalwood

1 part Mugwort

1 part Chamomile

1 part Gardenia petals

Several drops Rose Oil

Several drops Lavender Oil

Several drops of Yarrow Oil

Orange Honey Butter

2 tablespoons grated orange zest

3 tablespoons confectioner's sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1-2 tablespoons honey

-Combine ingredient, chill until ready to eat.

Easy Honey Mead

1 part wildflower honey

1 part water

-Heat honey and water until mixture is smooth and 

honey is incorporated.

-Sprinkle rose petals into the mixture, let it cool.  

-Strain mixture (optional)

-Mix 2 parts honey water with 1 part grain alcohol

-Serve chilled over ice.

(Other option: Mix 1 part honey water w/1part vodka)

Buddhism: 14 Fine Facts of All Life

Another Buddhism post.  I focus on a lot of buddist teachings when I meditate, and this is no exception.  These fourteen facts are meditated on quite often, and there are times when I fall victim to any of these and find myself and more often than not I find myself struggling with them.  Especially the Ego, Envy & Jealousy, and a few others of the enemies listed.  However, I am also working on doing those things that are successful, beneficial and better for me to exemplify in life.

It is always hard to let go, to not be offended when things happen, to walk Untouched and Unaffected by things that go on in the world.  But there are always things that try and touch us, try and captivate our attention, and pull us away from what we are focused on.  I try and keep myself focused on finding my own inner peace and focusing on perpetuating the Buddhist teachings that I've adopted into my own religious beliefs.

What are some things that you focus on in your daily spiritual walk?

-------
The Fourteen Fine Facts of All Life:

1: The greatest enemy in life is: The
Ego...

2: The greatest deceit in life is: This
is Mine ...

3: The greatest failure in life is:
Narcissism...

4: The greatest acid in life is: Envy &
Jealousy ...

5: The greatest error in life is to lose
Self-control ...

6: The greatest crime in life is
betrayal of Parents ...

7: The greatest deplorable in life is
pathetic Self-pity ...

8: The greatest success in life is
correcting own failure ...

9: The greatest bankruptcy in life is
lewd immoral conduct ...

10: The greatest wealth in life is
health and understanding...

11: The greatest debts in life is
clinging and lack of purity...

12: The greatest gift in life is
Patience, Tolerance & Forgiveness...

13: The greatest shortcoming in life
is lack of present Awareness!

14: The greatest soothing relief in
life is Generosity & kind Charity!

Touch of Buddhism...Wonderful Precepts

So, I've stated more than once, that my beliefs are a mix of a variety of religions, and Buddhism is one that I borrow my beliefs from and enjoy greatly.  These are the Wonderful Precepts of Buddhism.  I share them with you, to know what it is that I have drawn into that part of who I am.  Comment, questions, concerns? 

Namaste
Martha

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1. Aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life, I vow to cultivate compassion and to learn the ways of protecting the lives of people, animals and plants. I am determined not to kill, not tolet others kill, and not to condone any act of killing in the world, in my thinking, and in my way of life.

2. Aware of the suffering caused by exploitation, social injustice, stealing and oppression, I vow to cultivate loving-kindness and learn ways to work for the well-being of people, animals and plants. I vow to practice generosity by sharing my time, energy, and material resources with those who are in real need. I am determined not to steal and not to possess anything that should belong to others. I will respect the property of others, but I will do everything in my power to prevent others from human suffering of other species.

3. Aware of the suffering caused by sexual misconduct, I vow to cultivate my responsibility and learn ways to protect the safety and integrity of individuals, couples, families and society. I am determined not to engage in sexual relations without love and long-term commitment. To preserve the happiness of myself and others, I am determined to respect my commitments and the commitments of others. I will do everything in my power to protect children from sexual abuse and to protect families from being broken by sexual misconduct.

4. Aware of suffering caused by unmindful speech and the inability to listen to the suffering of others, I vow to cultivate loving speech and deep listening in order to bring joy and happiness to others and relieve others of their suffering. Knowing that words can create happiness or bring suffering, I vow to learn to speak truthfully, with words that can inspire self confidence, joy and hope. I am determined not to spread news that I do not know to be certain, and not to criticize or condemn things I am not sure of . I will refrain from uttering words that can cause division or discord, or that can cause the family or the community to break. I willmake every effort to reconcile and resolve all conflicts, even small.

5. Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful consumption, I vow to cultivate good health, both physical and mental, for myself, my family, and my society by practicing mindful eating, drinking, and consuming. I vow to ingest only items that preserve peace, well-being and joy in my body, in my consciousness, and in the collective body and consciousness of my family and society. I am determined not to use alcohol or any other intoxicants, or to ingest foods or other items that contain toxins, such as certain T.V. programs, magazines, books, films and conversations. I am aware that to damage my body and my consciousness with these poisons is to betray my ancestors, my pafrents, my society, and future generations. I will work to transform violence, fear, anger, and confusion by practicing a diet for myself and for society. I understand that a proper diet is crucial for self-transformation, and for the transformation of society.

Merry Meet...An Update

Greetings and may the Lady bless you this day! It's been a while, and for that I do apologize.  Things have been rather hectic, and now that I've moved and gotten settled and been able to get myself in a better state of mind (as I'm no longer swarmed by big city and the various stresses of dealing with too many bills and not enough money). 

Things are calmer, and I've been able to once more spend time meditating and focusing on centering myself and finding the peace that I need. I've been turning a bit more to the pagan/wiccan side of my beliefs because there are so many places that I can sit and let the world flow around me as I relax.

Lake City is a quiet little city, there isn't much going on here, but there are so many places that I've found and have yet to find that will allow me to focus and meditate on various things without the stifling characteristics of a big city.

I'm within walking distance of downtown, which means that there are events that happen that I can actually get to.  I'm finding my place here slowly but surely, it's been almost two months since I left Orlando, and I'm better for it.  There are still things that I need to find in the area - a PCP and such for various health concerns, but beyond that I'm loving this area.  I'm walking a lot more because that's my only option and the scenery for my walk is 100 times prettier than the walk I was making in Orlando.

The dynamic of people here is different as well - simply because people are nicer.  People were raised with different values here.  The racial dynamic is different as well - while Orlando seems to have a larger Hispanic population, Lake City has a higher African American population - so things are vastly different in how people treat others.  A prime example of that is - yesterday while my roommate and her son were coming home (on the back roads) from Dollar General at least four people stopped and asked them if they wanted an umbrella (as it was pouring), while they would have gladly accepted had my roommate not been in the wheelchair, it is still not something that normally happens in Orlando.

Hopefully, I will be able to start getting posts up more regularly, especially since I keep missing posting on days that I observe...OOPS!

Alright, I do believe that is all I have for the moment.

~Namaste

Martha

Equality and Me

As you all know I am a very passionate person and I support equality amongst the human race. I do not tolerate racism, sexism, or anything else that hampers the creation of a tolerant and accepting society.

This election has spoken volumes for those groups that certain parts of government are trying to silence or further discourage. Women were
out in large numbers to vote and in some new states same-sex couples can now legally marry and that is definitely a step in the right direction. 

Also, this election has proven that there are candidates that will do anything and say anything to try and sway the American people. However, if you desire my vote as an American citizen and a woman, cutting programs beneficial to ME as a woman is not the way to do it.

Back on topic, there has been am advancement in tolerance in this election with TWO states approving marriage equality. I know it is still a long way off in my state and many others but two more added to the list is better than none at all. Now internationally there is a country that is going to be facing this issue and it is controversial but it is one that is important in this day and age.
My support goes to the government in France and I hope that there will be tolerance and acceptance to marriage equality and those that hold incorrect stigmas of what "dangers" there will be if it is legalized soon learn the error of their thoughts. I am also sharing an article about the fight in France from the BBC.

French cabinet considers gay bill

I pray for strength and tolerance. For without these things true progress will never be made.

Namaste,
Martha

Upcoming Plans

In the next couple of days I will be starting a pair of series that I have found helpful to me and my own spiritual journey. One is finding strength in depression and the other deals with anger. There will be some meditation points in each of the days posted as well as Bible verses to meditate on.

I am also considering adding inspirational quotes from other sources as well but there will be a slightly more biblical focus to the posts.

I also have a slight backlog of posts to share with you including Samhein, All Saint's Day and Day of the Dead. I am passionate about these three occasions. So I shall be sharing information about them.

Until later,
Namaste
Martha

Musical Worship: Songs to Stir the Soul

Music is a big part of my life for those that know me.  I'm always listening to something and my tastes in music can be just about anything.  However, the focus of this blog post is songs that I turn to for spiritual comfort and to set fire to my soul.

This first song proves that my musical tastes vary widely.

Awesome God (Dubstep) by Robert Delong

Then we go to something softer from Burlap to Cashmere, Treasures in Heaven

One more Burlap to Cashmere song, because it is my absolute favorite, Eileen's Song:

The fourth and final song I'm going to share with you, is one of my favorite Steven Curtis Chapman songs titled Speechless.

These are just a few of my favorite spiritual songs that I absolutely always turn to when I need that uplifting beat to kick my worship into gear.  The music behind the lyrics is almost as important as the message shared within the lyrics because if it can get my heart pumping and my mind racing with the Grace and Glory of the world around me, I am all the more ready to worship and share myself with someone.

As you know, my religious and spiritual beliefs are filled with a wide variety of beliefs and I will be sharing more of them as time goes on but lately there has been a focus on some of the Christian basis of my beliefs, and that is why the music is Christian based, and it serves a purpose for my beliefs and what I am sharing with you.

Namaste

Martha

Today's Meditation: Healing

Today's meditation is not scriptural based, but it does focus in spiritual medtitation. We all need healing of some kind and it isn't always something we can go to a medical professional for a cure or treatment. We have to look in a spiritual direction, and seek the answers we need by putting our troubles before some higher power.

Each day I start my day and end it with a meditation and a prayer. Though the prayer may only be of Thanksgiving if there is no pressing need in my life at the moment.

Lately my meditations have been focused on healing because of a toothache and various other issues that I currently have at the moment.  Medical insurance is something that I have but not sure if I have dental or not and even if I did I wouldn't be able to afford the visit anyway. So I am hoping for an answer to my own issues as well as focusing on the healing of a good friend of mine who is still currently really recovering from knee surgery.

I also use an item to focus my meditation and lately I have been using a tiger's eye for focus in this situation because it is one that may not always be associated with healing, but has always worked for me.

I ask that you add your healing energy to mine and hopefully things will work out and settle down for me and others.

Namaste,
Martha

Slowdown In My Activity

Things will slow down for a little while due to the fact that I do not have a working computer of my own at the moment. My netbook died and my desktop has been dead for a while now. Until something can be worked out I will be posting limited posts and will still try and get a daily meditation up to let you know what I am focusing on at the current time. Bible studies will resume when I am stable again.

A verse that was shared with me today by Paula is Ephraim 3:20. Definitely a good one to meditate on when one is at work.

On that note have a blessed day!!!

Namaste,
Martha

Psalm 117

Praise the Lord, all you nations! Extol him, all you peoples! For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.  Praise the Lord! (NRSV)

This verse is a call to worship.  It is a testimony to the love toward us from the Lord. We are are called in the Psalms and ultimately we are recalled to this worship, to this praise of God and to speak of His greatness and love in the New Testament in the book of Acts.

We as followers of Christ are called to always praise and worship Him. How we do this is by sharing faith and by using the three E's: Eagerly Examine Everyday. The way we do this is by reading the Bible everyday and meditating on the word of God. Your daily meditation fan be topic specific such as healing or strength to place all things in the hands of the Lord and not worry as much. Or you can simply open your Bible and read at random for your time with God's word. 

What are some of your favorite verses in Psalms?

Bible Study: Word of God

1. 2 Tim 3: 16-17
• All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work
1. This tells us that all scripture is from God, it is inspired by Him.
2. This also tells us that it needs to be applied to every aspect of our lives so that we are properly equipped for the performing of good works.
2. Heb 4: 12-13
• Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.  And before him no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account.
1. This tells us that the word is relevant, constant and part of daily life.
2. The word hurts/cuts
3. The hurt is necessary and without the hurt we cannot heal.
3. 2 Ptr 1:20-21
• First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women move by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
1. The interpretation of scripture is ultimately given from God
2. Prophecy comes from God and not from human will.
4. John 8: 31-32
• Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will kno wthe truth, and the truth will make you free." 
1. Follow Jesus' teachings and you are a disciple.
2. Can't rely on intellectual beliefs
3. Sincerity does not equal truth
4. Religious people can be wrong.
5. Matt 15: 1-9
• The Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, "Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders?  For they do not wash their hands before they eat."  He answered them, "And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?  For God said, 'Honor your father and your mother,' and 'Whoever speaks evil of father or mother must surely die.' But you say that whoever tells father or mother, 'Whatever support you might have had from me is given to God,' then that person need not honor the father.  So, for the sake of your tradition you make void the word of God.  You hypocrites! Isaiah prophesied rightly about you when he said: 'This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching human precepts as doctrines.'" 
1. This tells us that we should not be living by traditions or creeds that pull us away from God's word.
2. Worship by traditions (if those traditions contradict the word of God) - is worshiping in vain.
6. 1 Tim 4:16
• Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.
1. This tells us to watch our life and our doctrine, these two things are inseparable.
2. Neither life or doctrine is more important than the other.
3. It will save you and others
7. Acts 17: 10-12
• That very night the believers sent Paul and Silas off to Beroea; and when they arrived, they went to the Jewish synagogue.  These Jews were more receptive than those in Thessalonica, for they welcomed the message very eagerly and examined the scriptures every day to see whether these things were so.  Many of them therefore believed, including not a few Greek women and men of high standing.
1. Read and examine the scripture daily
2. God sees you and is pleased when you do this
3. Check what is said by religious leaders
4. Three 3's: Eagerly Examine Everyday
8. James 1: 22-25
• But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves.  For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like.  But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act - they will be blessed in their doing.
1. The word of God is like a mirror, it shows us who we are and how we are supposed to be.
2. Don't forget what you see - Do what it says. 
9. John 12: 48
• The one who rejects me and does not receive my word has a judge; on the last day the word that I have spoken will serve as judge.
1. The word of God is judge and will on the last day be what we are judged by.

What are your thoughts on the verses presented in this study?