peacesojourner

Christian Tradition - Ash Wednesday

2012-02-22T19:00:00.000-05:00

Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent for Western Christian churches.

It's a day of penitence to clean the soul before the Lent fast.

Ash Wednesday services:

The service draws on the ancient Biblical traditions of covering one's head with ashes, wearing sackcloth, and fasting.

The mark of ashes:

In Ash Wednesday services churchgoers are marked on the forehead with a cross of ashes as a sign of penitence and mortality. The use of ashes is very symbolic.

"God our Father, you create us from the dust of the earth.

Grant that these ashes may be for us a sign of our penitence,

and a symbol of our mortality."

Traditional Ash Wednesday prayer

Anointing with ashes:

The minister or priest marks each worshipper on the forehead, and says remember you are dust and unto dust you shall return, or a similar phrase based on God's sentence on Adam in Genesis 3:19.

Symbolism of the ashes:

The marking of their forehead with a cross made of ashes reminds each churchgoer that:

Death comes to everyone

They should be sad for their sins

They must change themselves for the better.

The shape of the mark and the words used are symbolic in other ways:

The cross is a reminder of the mark of the cross made at baptism.

The phrase often used when the ashes are administered reminds Christians of the doctrine of original sin.

Where the ashes come from:

The ashes used on Ash Wednesday are made by burning the palm crosses that were blessed on the previous Palm Sunday.

From Palm Sunday to Ash Wednesday:

Palm Sunday celebrates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, so when the crosses used in the Palm Sunday service are converted to ashes, the worshippers are reminded that defeat and crucifixion swiftly followed triumph.

Using the ashes to mark the cross on the believer's forehead symbolizes that through Christ's death and resurrection, all Christians can be free from sin.

*****

Lent is a way of paying attention to our own lives. We receive the sign of the cross on our foreheads to focus our attention on who we really are. In this way we remind ourselves that we are bound for death—and that we are bound to the death of Jesus Christ. Ash Wednesday and the whole of Lent provide a time to focus our attention on the mystery at the heart of the Christian life: that through death, the death of Jesus Christ, we have entered new life.

Turning to Christ means turning also to all our neighbors who suffer. According to Isaiah, fasting and praying that brings us to act on behalf of these neighbors is the fast that is acceptable to God.

*****

The Season of Lent symbolizes 'Retreating Into the Wilderness with Jesus.'

Lent is a forty-day period before Easter. It begins on Ash Wednesday. We skip Sundays when we count the forty days, because Sundays commemorate the Resurrection. This year Lent begins on February 22, 2012 and ends on the day before Easter.

In the Roman Catholic Church, Lent officially ends at sundown on Holy Thursday, with the beginning of the mass of the Lord’s Supper.

*****

Why exactly do Christians gather on this otherwise unremarkable Wednesday?

With Ash Wednesday, we enter a time of Lenten discipline, traditionally a time of fasting and prayer in preparation for receiving or reaffirming baptism at Easter.

The History of Shrove Tuesday and Pancakes

2012-02-21T05:00:00.000-05:00

The History of Shrove Tuesday and Pancakes

In England, based on a traditional Christian holy day. Every year at 12:30 p.m. on Shrove Tuesday, Spitalfields Market in London, runs riot with teams of four people running relays with frying pans and pancakes.

The season immediately before Lent is called Shrovetide. It is a time for confessing sins (shriving) with fewer festivities than the Continental Carnivals. Shrove Tuesday is celebrated as Pancake Day, but apart from the serving of pancakes and occasional pancake races and football matches little else of the Lent-related Shrovetide survived the English Reformation.

When I was a child growing up in England I remember that Shrove Tuesday was a fun day when we ate pancakes and the local schools would have pancake races in the athletic fields. I never connected it with a religious ceremony until I was an adult.

Actually, Shrove Tuesday is the day before Lent starts: the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. It's a day of penitence, to cleanse the soul, and a day of celebration as the last chance to feast before Lent begins.

Shrove Tuesday is sometimes called Pancake Day after the fried batter recipe traditionally eaten on this day, but there's more to Shrove Tuesday than pancakes or taking part in a public pancake race. The pancakes themselves are part of an ancient custom with deeply religious roots.

Penitence:

Shrove Tuesday gets its name from the ritual of shriving that Christians used to undergo in the past. In shriving, a person confesses their sins and receives absolution for them.
When a person receives absolution for their sins, they are forgiven for them and released from the guilt and pain that they have caused them. This tradition is very old. Over 1000 years ago a monk wrote about it in the Anglo-Saxon Ecclesiastical Institutes.

Shrove Tuesday celebrations:

Shrove Tuesday is a day of celebration as well as penitence, because it's the last day before Lent a time of abstinence, of giving things up. So Shrove Tuesday is the last chance to indulge yourself, and to use up the foods that aren't allowed in Lent. Giving up foods: but not wasting them.

The need to eat up the fats gave rise to the French name Mardi Gras ('fat Tuesday'). Pancakes became associated with Shrove Tuesday as they were a dish that could use up all the eggs, fats and milk in the house with just the addition of flour.

The origin of pancake racing:

Pancake races are thought to have begun in 1445. History recalls that a woman had lost track of the time on Shrove Tuesday, and was busy cooking pancakes in her kitchen.
Suddenly she heard the church bell ringing to call the faithful to church for confession. The woman raced out of her house and ran all the way to church; still holding her frying pan and wearing her apron.

Going for gold in the pancake Olympics:

One of the most famous pancake races is held at Olney in Buckinghamshire over a 415 yard course. The rules are strict; contestants have to toss their pancake at both the start and the finish, as well as wearing an apron and a scarf. The race is followed by a church service.
Since 1950 Olney has competed with Liberal in Kansas, which holds an identical race, to see which town can produce the fastest competitor. (Pictured above)

Tradition:

According to Christian beliefs, Lent commemorates Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness, and observant Christians mark this period by fasting. So Shrove Tuesday was cleverly invented to use up the ingredients that were given up for Lent - milk, butter and, particularly, eggs - which may not be eaten again until Easter.

Customs and celebrations:

In other parts of the world, Shrove Tuesday is marked by quite different celebrations. In New Orleans, and other parts of the United States, for example, it's celebrated with the Mardi Gras, and in Rio de Janeiro with the equally raucous carnival.

So, if you are attending local Mardi Gras celebrations have fun tonight!

African American History Month - Rosa Parks

2012-02-18T09:00:00.000-05:00

Rosa Parks is fondly remembered for her part in the Civil Rights Movement.

Rosa Parks Timeline

Feb. 4, 1913 - Rosa Louise McCauley is born in Tuskegee, Alabama to James and Leona McCauley.

1932 - Marries Raymond Parks, a barber from Montgomery, Alabama. Raymond is a member of the NAACP.

1934 - Receives her high school diploma after her husband urges her to do so.

Dec. 1943 - Ms. Parks joins the Montgomery chapter of the NAACP and is elected secretary to its president, E.D. Nixon. She later says of this: "I was the only woman there, and they needed a secretary, and I was too timid to say no."

Dec. 1, 1955 - She refuses to give up her bus seat to a white man when the bus driver orders her to do so. She is arrested and fined $14.

Dec. 5, 1955 - Ms. Parks stands trial and is found guilty of breaking the segregation laws. This leads to a 381-day boycott of the Montgomery bus system organized by Martin Luther King, Jr.

1957 - After receiving threats and losing her job, Parks and her husband move from Alabama to Detroit.

1977 - Her husband, Raymond, dies of cancer.

1980 - In honor of the 25th anniversary of her bus stand, The Detroit News and Detroit Public Schools establish the Rosa Parks Scholarship Foundation.

1987 – Ms. Parks founds the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development.

1992 - Publishes her first book, Rosa Parks My Story.

1995 - Speaks at the Million Man March in Washington, D.C.

1999 - President Clinton awards her the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor.

2000 - The Rosa Parks Museum and Library opens in Montgomery, Alabama.

Oct. 2004 - In Detroit her landlord decides to let her live indefinitely in her apartment without having to pay rent.

Oct. 25, 2005 - Ms. Parks dies in Detroit at the age of 92.

Oct. 30, 2005 - She Became the first woman to lie in honor in the Capitol Rotunda, Washington D.C.

Nov. 2, 2005 - Rosa Parks is buried in Detroit with the bodies of her husband and her mother.

2006 - Statue of Rosa Parks placed in National Statuary Hall in Washington, D.C.

If It Is Thursday It's Going Green –Winter Chores

2012-02-16T15:00:00.001-05:00

Going Green

Now that winter is here and the temperature has dropped we close our windows tightly and the furnace clicks on, and next thing that happens, we are living in a polluted atmosphere.

Here are 10 easy, simple things you can do to keep the air quality pure and safe in your house this winter.

1. Empty your refrigerator tray. It gets overcrowded in there and the refrigerator fan blows that moldy, smelly air right into your home.

2. Dust your heaters. When the heat comes on, the smell from the dust on the heating units is not good.

3. Check for foreign objects in your heating elements. Often small children can drop small items and plastics into the heating units and next thing you know, everyone is wondering what that strange smell is. Burning plastic is toxic!

4. Clean your oil burner. A dirty furnace does not function as well and can emit more harmful carbon monoxide and other undesirable compounds.

5. Clean chimneys. Prevent chimney fires and carbon monoxide buildup in your home.

6. Devise a compost system. When the windows stay closed, molds in the air from fermenting compost can become a problem. Be sure to empty your kitchen compost every day.

7. Be alert to out gassing. New products and activities like painting will have more of an effect on your indoor air quality now that the windows are closed. You may want to air new carpets or upholstered furniture before putting them in your house. If you’re painting, be sure to provide plenty of ventilation, and choose non-toxic paints.

8. Steam-clean your carpets. Get rid of dust, dust-mites and other noxious things so you won’t be inhaling them with every step you take.

9. Choose your candles wisely. Petroleum-based and lead-wick candles contribute significantly to dangerous levels of indoor air pollution. Buy (or make) candles made from beeswax, soy, or vegetable oils, lead-free wicks, and pure essential-oil fragrances.

10. No kerosene space heaters, EVER! They are lethal. If you need extra heat in a room, consider one of the freestanding electric heaters filled with oil that radiate clean heat.

To my friends who live in warmer climates only some of these suggestions apply to you, however, don't forget to control your thermostat to avoid your air conditioner working overtime. You will save on your energy bills.

peacesojourner

Happy St. Valentine's Day to My Readers

2012-02-14T12:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I went shopping at a local grocery store. I was startled when I entered the store and a very handsome young man dressed in a tuxedo with a red bow tie greeted me. The entire entrance way was filled with hundreds of red roses, bouquets and heart shaped balloons. There were racks of Valentine’s Day greeting cards and a jazz musician (also dressed in a tux) was playing sweet sentimental love songs on his clarinet.

A long line of men, with sheepish grins on their faces, were holding flowers waiting to have them wrapped with red ribbons and bows. It did not stop at the entrance way. This store had become so creative I had to chuckle. There were rib steaks and trays of shrimp shaped in perfect heart forms. Fruits were carefully carved into the shape of hearts. Any kind of cake and tart that you could conceive were heart shaped and let’s not talk about the shelves of chocolates, soft fluffy toys, etc, etc.

Today across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday?

The history of Valentine's Day — and its patron saint — is shrouded in mystery, but we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young single men, who then became his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine became friends with a young woman — who may have been his jailer's daughter — who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France. He also gained the reputation of ministering to those who were in prison with him,

That note started the custom of exchanging love notes on Valentine's Day. It was written on the day he died, February 14, 269 A.D. Now, every year on this day, people remember. But most importantly, they think about love and friendship.

When I was walking around the grocery store I found myself feeling a little sad that this day that was set aside to express love to others seemed to be lost in advertising and an attempt to get the customers to spend their money (lot’s of money).

*****

1 John 3:11 ‘The message you heard from the very beginning is this: we must love one another.’ And verse 18 ‘My children, our love should not be just words and talk; our love must be true love, which shows itself in action.’

*****

We need to treat others with kindness. It means to go out in our daily lives and treat people the way we want to be treated. Actions do not have to cost a single penny – kindness is meaningful if it is done with love.

Wishing all of my readers a Happy Valentine’s Day

peacesojourner

The NAACP Celebrates 103rd Anniversary Today

2012-02-12T08:00:00.005-05:00

1909 -  On February 12th The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was founded by a multiracial group of activists, who answered "The Call," in the New York City, NY. They initially called themselves the National Negro Committee.

FOUNDERS Ida Wells-Barnett, W.E.B. DuBois, Henry Moscowitz, Mary White Ovington, Oswald Garrison Villiard, William English Walling led the "Call" to renew the struggle for civil and political liberty.

Here are just a few of the actions taken by the NAACP in the first ten years. I am reminded of the courage that it must have taken to stand up against racism and injustice in those very turbulent times.

1910 -  In the face of intense adversity, the NAACP begins its legacy of fighting legal battles addressing social injustice with the Pink Franklin case, which involved a Black farmhand, who unknowingly killed a policeman in self-defense when the officer broke into his home at 3 a.m. to arrest him on a civil charge. After losing at the Supreme Court, the following year the renowned NAACP official Joel Spingarn and his brother Arthur start a concerted effort to fight such cases.

1913 - President Woodrow Wilson officially introduces segregation into the Federal Government. Horrified that the President would sanction such a policy, the NAACP launched a public protest.

1915 - The NAACP organizes a nationwide protest D.W. Griffiths racially-inflammatory and bigoted silent film, "Birth of a Nation."

1917 -  In Buchanan vs. Warley, the Supreme Court has to concede that states can not restrict and officially segregate African Americans into residential districts. Also, the NAACP fights and wins the battle to enable African Americans to be commissioned as officers in World War I. Six hundred officers are commissioned, and 700,000 register for the draft..

1918 - After persistent pressure by the NAACP, President Woodrow Wilson finally makes a public statement against lynching.

1920 - To ensure that everyone, especially the Klan, knew that the NAACP would not be intimidated, the annual conference was held in Atlanta, considered one of the most active Klan areas.

*****

I have highlighted only the first ten years, however, the NAACP was instrumental in

making many, many more changes over the past century.

Today, one hundred and three years later, there are still people who take the time to fight against injustice and who have the courage to stand up for basic human rights.

The National NAACP along with its 1,700 branches nation wide will host anniversary celebrations and observances in their local communities.

I am a proud Life Member of the NAACP and currently attend the Buffalo, New York Branch. I encourage anyone who may be reading this to consider joining.

To contact the organization :www.naacp.org

Thank you to those early organizers who had the courage to stand up and speak out.

*****

peacesojourner

African American History Month - Sojourner Truth

2012-02-08T12:00:00.000-05:00

Sojourner Truth - Abolitionist, Women's Rights Advocate

The following reminiscences were recorded by Frances Gage who was in attendance at The Ohio Women’s rights Convention, Akron Convention, Akron, Ohio, May 1851.
"There were very few women in those days who dared to "speak in meeting"; When, slowly from her seat in the corner she rose. She moved slowly and solemnly to the front, laid her old bonnet at her feet, and turned her great speaking eyes to me - I rose and announced "Sojourner Truth," She stood nearly six feet high, head erect, and eyes piercing the upper air like one in a dream. At her first word there was a profound hush.

Ain’t I a Woman?

That man over there say a woman needs to be helped into carriages

and lifted over ditches and to have the best place everywhere.  

Nobody ever helped me into carriages

or over mud puddles or gives me a best place . . .

And ain’t I a woman?  

Look at me. Look at my arm! I have plowed and planted

and gathered into barns and no man could head me . . . 

And ain’t I a woman? 

I could work as much and eat as much as a man– 

when I could get to it– and bear the lash as well 

And ain’t I a woman? 

I have born 13 children and seen most all sold into slavery

and when I cried out a mother’s grief none but Jesus heard me . . . 

And ain’t I a woman?  

That little man in black there say a woman can’t have as much rights,

as a man cause Christ wasn’t a woman 

Where did your Christ come from?

From God and a woman! Man had nothing to do with him!

 If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down,

all alone together women ought to be able to turn it rightside up again.

*****

Sojourner Truth - Born: (c. 1797-1883)

Born one of twelve children, Isabella Baumfree in Ulster County, New York, she was freed by the New York State Emancipation Act of 1827 and lived in New York City for a time.

Around this time she had a life-changing religious experience and became a devout Christian. On June 1, 1843 she took the name Sojourner Truth which she felt God had given her and she assumed the "mission" of spreading "the Truth" across the country. She became famous as an itinerant preacher, drawing huge crowds with her oratory (and some said "mystical gifts") wherever she appeared. She became one of an active group of black women abolitionists, lectured before numerous abolitionist audiences, and was friends with such leading white abolitionists as James and Lucretia Mott and Harriet Beecher Stowe. She also became involved with the Women’s Suffrage Movement.

Some amazing statistics for a woman in the 1800’s – especially a woman of African descent:

- Before freedom she was sold three times: 1806, 1808, 1810

- She had five children -- Diana (c. 1815); Peter (c. 1822); Elizabeth (c. 1825); Sophia (c.1826) and Hannah who died in infancy. (Some controversy came about her ‘Ain’t I a Woman’ speech. In it Sojourner is quoted as having 13 children. Historians today primarily agree on five.)
- She filed and won a lawsuit to secure the return of her son, Peter, who had been illegally sold into slavery in Alabama from New York (1827-28).

- With the outbreak of the Civil War she raised money to purchase gifts for the soldiers, distributing them herself in the camps. She also helped African Americans who had escaped to the North to find habitation and shelter.

- In 1844, she joined the Northampton Association of Education and Industry in Massachusetts. Founded by abolitionists, the organization supported women's rights and religious tolerance as well as pacifism.

- In 1853 she met with Harriet Beecher Stowe in Andover, Mass.

- She owned three homes in all. Northampton, Mass. (1850), Harmonia village outside Battle Creek, Michigan (1857) and College Street, Battle Creek, Michigan (1867).

- In 1864, Sojourner was employed by the National Freedman's Relief Association in Washington, D.C. She worked diligently to improve conditions for African-Americans.

- In 1865, while working at the Freedman's Hospital in Washington, she rode in the streetcars to help force their desegregation. (90 years before Rosa Parks claimed her seat on the bus.)

- 1871 - Frederick Douglass signed her Book of Life while she was making rounds for freedom in New York.

- In 1872, she returned to Battle Creek and tried to vote in the presidential election, but was turned away at the polling place.

- She actually had an audience with two Presidents of the United States in the White House. Abraham Lincoln (1864) and Ulysses Grant (1870).

Age and ill health caused her to retire from the lecture circuit, and she spent her last days in a sanatorium in Battle Creek, Michigan. When she died on November 26, 1883, her last words were, "Be a follower of Jesus."

She is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Battle Creek, Michigan. Her grandsons, Sammy Banks and William Boyd, and her daughters, Elizabeth Banks Boyd and Diana Corbin are buried in the same plot. Despite her hardships she had managed to keep her family together.

Illiterate all of her life, Sojourner’s courage and candid, homespun way of speaking against the evils of slavery and the denial of women’s rights made her a major presence in her day. She still stands preeminently as the only woman of color who gained a national reputation on the lecture platform in the days before the Civil War.

A woman of courage and tenacity who believed she had God on her side.

Her life is a testimony that she did.

*****

peacesojourner

Full Moon in February 2012- The Snow Moon

2012-02-07T10:00:00.000-05:00

Winter

Clouded with snow  The cold winds blow,

 And shrill on leafless bough  

The robin with its burning breast  

Alone sings now.

The rayless sun,  Day's journey done,

 Sheds its last ebbing light  

On fields in leagues of beauty spread

 Unearthly white.

Thick draws the dark,  And spark by spark,  

The frost-fires kindle, and soon

 Over that sea of frozen foam  

Floats the white moon.

- Walter de la Mare

February Full Moon

During my lifetime I have lived in several different countries. There were times when I felt homesick and far from home, however, there was always one comforting thing for me. I would gaze at the moon and know that wherever I was that my family and loved ones could also be looking at the same moon. There was always a sense of connectedness , especially when the moon was full.

Because the February moon is most often associated with snow, we look upon it as a time for new beginnings, a time for renewal, youth, mending a broken heart or making way for a new love as the signs of winter begin to fade.

This moon brings us the opportunity to toss out that which is old and useless both metaphorically and physically.

Metaphorically, it is time to let go of emotions or of people that bring stress and negativity to your life.

Physically, this is a time for cleaning and discarding to make way for the spring (Spring Cleaning most likely derived from this tradition). If you are a pack rat, clean your closets and donate items and clothing. Your generosity may give another person a chance to make a new beginning. Or maybe it’s your body that needs cleaning. This is a good time to start a healthy diet or to lose weight.

Full moon is a lunar phase that occurs when the Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun. The Moon is then in opposition with the Sun.

Because the month of February has only 28 days (or 29 in a leap year), there have been a few occasions during which this month has been without a full moon. In particular, there was no full moon in February 1866, 1885, 1915, 1934, 1961 or 1999.

Folklore:

Full Moons are traditionally associated with temporal insomnia, insanity (hence the terms lunacy and lunatic) and various "magical phenomena" such as lycanthropy. (Belief that human beings can be transformed into animals.)

Psychologists, however, state that they have found no strong evidence for effects on human behavior around the time of a full moon. How many of you agree with that statement? Personally, I feel that there is a definite energy that is abound during a full moon and that the body is receptive to this. Many report a change in emotions and temperament during this cycle.

Full moon names:

The traditional English names for February's full moon is Wolf Moon.

The name given by Native Americans in the northern and eastern United States is Snow Moon.

Heads up tonight to view Natures gift to us.

peacesojourner

Super Bowl Sunday

2012-02-05T13:00:00.000-05:00

Don't know much about football!

To my friends who enjoy the game - may the best team win :-)

Today is 'Thank a Mailman Day'

2012-02-04T08:00:00.004-05:00

Today is 'Thank a Mailman Day'

In 1775, the Second Continental Congress established the Constitutional Post—the first organized mail service in America. Before this act, people relied on friends, merchants, or private messengers to carry their letters. It was an unreliable system, and colonial British postal inspectors often intercepted confidential messages.

As the nation’s first Postmaster General, Benjamin Franklin established many of the conventions we are accustomed to today, including a standardized rate chart based on weight and distance. Before the invention of the stamp in 1847, the writer could pay the postage in advance or leave it for the recipient to pay upon delivery!

Over the past two centuries, the Postal Service has grown and changed dramatically, but its mission of promoting free and open communication has remained the same. To celebrate Thank a Mailman Day, take a moment to appreciate this historic service and thank your mail carrier for all he or she does for you!

Info from "Punchbowl"

Welcome Imbolc

2012-02-02T16:00:00.002-05:00

Snowdrops in bloom

IMBOLC

So the skies rumbled and the snows came,  

And everywhere down through the centuries of this gray night,

 Came women gathering to pray,  

And to sink their hands into the dark earth.

They gathered seeds and prepared them for planting, 

They meditated in the icy darkness, 

And they celebrated the lambing of the first ewe,  

To hasten spring.

And when through the earth they felt the stirring,  

They sang songs encouraging the tiny seeds to grow.

In the dark, wet soil you can smell their work still;

 They are digging along beside us. Listen!

The north wind carries their song across the snow,
 This Imbolc night.

As the Earth prepares for Spring,  Wise women gather in circles to await the promise of new life,  And to sing praises for the green earth.

And so do we, here now,  This year, and every year.

Welcome Imbolc!

poem by: Jill Yarnall

*****

Imbolc is one of the four principal festivals of the Irish calendar, celebrated among Gaelic peoples and some other Celtic cultures, either at the beginning of February or at the first local signs of Spring. Most commonly it is celebrated on February 2, since this is the cross-quarter day on the solar calendar, halfway between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox in the northern hemisphere.

When Ireland converted to Christianity, it was hard to convince people to get rid of their old gods, so the church allowed them to worship the goddess Brighid as a saint -- thus the creation of St. Brigid's Day. Today, there are many churches around the world which bear her name.

For Christians, February 2nd continues to be celebrated as Candelmas, the feast of purification of the Virgin. By Jewish law, it took forty days after a birth for a woman to be cleansed following the birth of a son. Forty days after Christmas – the birth of Jesus – is February 2nd.

Candles were blessed, there was much feasting to be had, and the drab days of February suddenly seemed a little brighter.

Imbolc is traditionally a time of weather prognostication. Brigid is the goddess of poetry, healing and smith craft. As both goddess and saint she is also associated with holy wells, sacred flames, and healing. The lighting of candles and fires represents the return of warmth and the increasing power of the Sun over the coming months.

The holiday is a festival of the hearth and home, and a celebration of the lengthening days and the early signs of spring. It is the time of blessing of the seeds and consecration of agricultural tools. Some of the activities traditional to the festival are the lighting of candles, gathering of stones, hiking in the snow and searching for signs of spring, decorating plows, feasting, and lighting bonfires.

The festival is celebrated on February 2, and marks the midway point of winter. It is believed to have been the original source of Groundhog Day.

The promise of Imbolc is that it is the halfway point in winter. As the final line of the Imbolc poem says “As the Earth prepares for Spring,  wise women gather in circles to await the promise of new life,  and to sing praises for the green earth.” So that is what I will do, hum a tune and continue to look forward to days filled with flowers and sunshine. Welcome Imbolc!

*****

For those who are awaiting news of Groundhog Day, the world's most famous groundhog Punxsutawney Phil today signaled to the Inner Circle that he'd seen his shadow—meaning, according to legend, six more weeks of winter.

Including today's forecast, Phil has seen his shadow 99 times and hasn't seen it just 16 times since 1887. There are no records for the remaining years, though the group has never failed to issue a forecast.

The celebration is rooted in a German superstition that says if a hibernating animal casts a shadow on Feb. 2, the Christian holiday of Candlemas, winter will last another six weeks. If no shadow was seen, legend said spring would come early.

So, we are halfway through Winter and halfway towards Spring - hooray!

peacesojourner

February is African American History Month

2012-02-01T08:30:00.001-05:00

African American History Month

National African American History Month in February celebrates the contributions that African Americans have made to American history in their struggles for freedom and equality and deepens our understanding of our Nation's history.

On occasion, I have heard the complaint ‘Why is African American History month the shortest month in the calendar?’

National African American History Month had its origins in 1915 when historian and author Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. Through this organization Dr. Woodson initiated the first Negro History Week in February 1926. Dr. Woodson selected the week in February that included the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two key figures in the history of African Americans.

So the answer to that questions is that it was originally one week and the person who started it was African American.

In 1976 this commemoration of black history in the United States was expanded to Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, and President Ford issued the first Message on the Observance of Black History Month that year.

In 1986 Congress passed Public Law 99-244 which designated February 1986 as "National Black (Afro-American) History Month.” This law noted that February 1, 1986 would “mark the beginning of the sixtieth annual public and private salute to Black History.” The law further called upon the President to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe February 1986 as Black History Month with the appropriate ceremonies and activities.

In 2008 President Bush issued Presidential Proclamation 8218. The theme for 2008 honored Carter G. Woodson who established the first Negro History Week and whose organization, ASALH, is responsible for setting the theme for "National African American History Month each year."

Dr. Woodson was born in 1875 in Buckingham County, Virginia. The son of former slaves, he worked in mines and quarries until the age of 20 when he became determined to receive an education. He received his high school diploma at the age of 22 and went on to get a master's degree in history from the University of Chicago. In 1912, Woodson received a doctorate in history from Harvard.  His best-known book is "The Miseducation of the Negro."

Unable to land a teaching post at the elite university because Harvard wasn't hiring black professors, he went to teach at one of the nation's leading black colleges, Howard University.    He believed that education without the inclusion of Black history was detrimental to the health of a nation whose inherent promise is life, liberty and justice for all.   Besides building self-esteem among blacks, Black History education would help eliminate prejudice among whites.   So, Dr. Goodson embarked on a quest to establish a national celebration of black heritage. In 1926, Negro History Week was born. 

Thank you Dr. Carter G. Woodson. 

*****

Sunday Reflection - Jesus Could You Forgive Me?

2012-01-29T08:00:00.002-05:00

Rodney

photo by John Decker

Jesus Could You Forgive Me?

I wonder what would happen if Jesus came back to live among us. Suppose He just wanted to see up close what we’re doing with our lives, how we’re treating one another, and if we’re practicing the values of love, compassion, and mercy that He taught. I imagine Him taking on a human form that would allow Him to live as one of us. The Jesus I love probably would not take the position of a CEO of a large company or a well-known leader.

He might be more likely to return as a homeless person. The thought of that makes me shudder. For just last week, a homeless man approached me, and I turned away. Was it a lack of empathy on my part? Fear perhaps? It doesn’t matter why really. I could have been generous, but I chose to be selfish – not just with my money, but worse, with my heart. Dear Jesus, if that was you, could you forgive me?

He could come back as a lonely old man, like the one who lives next door to me. My neighbor keeps to himself and we seldom speak – and to be honest I haven’t made an effort to change that. I’ve never offered to help him lug his groceries up the stairs, scrape ice off his sidewalk, or do any of the many tasks that must surely challenge an elderly man. Have I been too lazy to be kind? Too self-involved to reach out? Jesus, if that is you, could you forgive me?

If I hurt them, did I not hurt Jesus, too? For He has said, “Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me”. So, still I must ask, Jesus, can you forgive me?

Every single day offers chances to be helpful, supportive, or generous. What do you do with your chances? Do you see a person in need as an opportunity to touch another life – or as an intrusion on your own? Do you walk away, when you could reach out? Do you judge, when you could support? When we fail to help, aren’t we failing Jesus? And ourselves?

If I could strive to treat those individuals as if they were Jesus, I’m pretty sure He would be a lot more pleased with the person I had become. And so would I.

written by David L. Weatherford

Matt 25:40 And the King will tell them, 'I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me.'

Matt 25:45 And he will answer, 'I assure you, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.'

If It Is Thursday It's Going Green - Mandatory Take-Back Programs

2012-01-26T10:00:00.000-05:00

Did you know that there are Mandatory Take-Back Programs? -

Certain items are required by law to be accepted by retailers or manufacturers. Whenever you have a product to take back, call before you go to ensure that retailers are complying with the law.

The following list indicates some of the mandatory items: auto batteries, bottles and cans, cell phones, motor oil, rechargeable batteries, plastic bags, paper, sharps and tires.

Personal Auto Tires 

Used tires dumped at the side of the road, in vacant lots, or along railroad tracks are unsightly and provide a breeding site for mosquitoes that could potentially carry the West Nile virus.

Improper maintenance can reduce tire life by 50 percent. You can extend the life of your tires by taking a few minutes each month to check the pressure and tread depth.

Reuse

Buy retreaded tires. Retreading bonds new tread to the existing tire body using a process very similar to the manufacture of a new tire. You don’t have to pay to dispose of the old tire, and the retread is 30 to 50 percent cheaper than a new tire. Two studies conducted by the American Retreaders Association (ARA) concluded that residual body strength in worn tires is at least equal to that of new tires, in some cases doubling the standards requirement of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standard test, which applies to all new tires. Retread tires are also regulated by the standards set by the NHTSA.

Recycle

When buying new tires, bring back your old ones to be recycled. Businesses that sell or install tires must take back tires of approximately the same size that they sell. People can recycle up to the same amount of tires that they buy new. The fee for the collection of old tires is included in the cost of new tires. If a service station or retailer refuses your used tires, contact the Region 2 Office of your state.

If you have old tires to get rid of, New York residents can drop off up to four passenger car tires at any NYC Department of Sanitation garage between 8 am and 4 pm, Monday through Saturday, except holidays. Check the Sanitation website for the location of the nearest garage. Tires are collected by a contractor and taken to a facility where they are converted to electricity. Check out the regulations of the state or municipality where you live and hopefully you will find that there are regulations governing recycling. If not, I urge you to make requests of you local government to get such a program started.

Remember the slogan: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Repair

"Together we can make a difference."

peacesojourner

Sunday Reflection - How To Enjoy Life

2012-01-22T10:00:00.001-05:00

This squirrel is taking a break, looking at the world, and enjoying life.

HOW TO ENJOY LIFE

Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay 'them'.

Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever.

Enjoy the simple things.

Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves.

Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.

Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:  

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,

but by the moments that take our breath away.

British Humour

2012-01-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

*Some 'Quips' from British Newspapers *

Commenting on a complaint from a Mr. Arthur Purdey about a large gas bill, a spokesman for North West Gas said, 'We agree it was rather high for the time of year. It's possible Mr. Purdey has been charged for the gas used up during the explosion that destroyed his house.'
(The Daily Telegraph)

Police are being handicapped in a search for a stolen van, because they cannot issue a description. It's a Special Branch vehicle and they don't want the public to know what it looks like.
(The Guardian)

At the height of the gale, the harbour master radioed a coast guard and asked him to estimate the wind speed. He replied he was sorry, but he didn't have a gauge. However, if it was any help, the wind had just blown his Land Rover off the cliff.
( Aberdeen Evening Express)

* Heard On The London Underground Tube *

A list of actual announcements that London Tube train drivers have made to their passengers...

1) 'Ladies and Gentlemen, I do apologize for the delay to your service. I know you're all dying to get home, unless, of course, you happen to be married to my ex-wife, in which case you'll want to cross over to the Westbound and go in the opposite direction.'

2) 'Your delay this evening is caused by the line controller suffering from E & B syndrome: not knowing his elbow from his backside. I'll let you know any further information as soon as I'm given any.'

3) 'Do you want the good news first or the bad news? The good news is that last Friday was my birthday and I hit the town and had a great time. The bad news is that there is a points failure somewhere between Stratford and East Ham, which means we probably won't reach our destination.'

4) 'Ladies and gentlemen, we apologize for the delay, but there is a security alert at Victoria station and we are therefore stuck here for the foreseeable future, so let's take our minds off it and pass some time together. All together now.... 'Ten green bottles, hanging on a wall.....'.'

5) 'We are now travelling through Baker Street ... As you can see, Baker Street is closed. It would have been nice if they had actually told me, so I could tell you earlier, but no, they don't think about things like that'.

6) 'Beggars are operating on this train. Please do NOT encourage these professional beggars. If you have any spare change, please give it to a registered charity. Failing that, give it to me.'

7) During an extremely hot rush hour on the Central Line, the driver announced: 'Step right this way for the sauna, ladies and gentleman... unfortunately, towels are not provided.'

8) 'Let the passengers off the train FIRST!' (Pause ) 'Oh go on then, stuff yourselves in like sardines, see if I care - I'm going home....'

9) 'Please allow the doors to close. Try not to confuse this with 'Please hold the doors open.' The two are distinct and separate instructions.'

10) 'Please note that the beeping noise coming from the doors means that the doors are about to close. It does not mean throw yourself or your bags into the doors.'

11) 'We can't move off because some idiot has their hand stuck in the door.'

12) 'To the gentleman wearing the long grey coat trying to get on the second carriage -- what part of 'stand clear of the doors' don't you understand?'

13) 'Please move all baggage away from the doors.' (Pause..) 'Please move ALL belongings away from the doors.' (Pause...) 'This is a personal message to the man in the brown suit wearing glasses at the rear of the train: Put the pie down, and move your bloody golf clubs away from the door before I come down there and move them for you'

14) 'May I remind all passengers that there is strictly no smoking allowed on any part of the Underground. However, if you are smoking a joint, it's only fair that you pass it round the rest of the carriage.'

In Britain if you travel by train, bus or taxi, you are very likely to hear British humor by the conductors or drivers. They are all comedians :-)

If It Is Thursday It's Going Green - Recycling Is So Simple

2012-01-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

If It Is Thursday It's Going Green

Here are some simple changes that you can make.

DONATE OLD CELL PHONES: About 130 million mobile phones are retired every year, resulting in more than 65,000 tons of waste — including potentially hazardous materials, such as lead and mercury. A non-profit program the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation will recycle your phone for free into new metal products. You'll find these collection boxes in stores like Radio Shack and The Home Depot. You can learn more at www.call2recy.org.

BATTERIES: Buy rechargeable batteries for electrical gadgets. For every 500 charges, you’ll save 499 batteries from ending up in a landfill.
Sooner or later, all batteries, even rechargeable, are no longer usable. When it's time to dispose of them, you will want to keep them out of the landfill, where they may leach acids and heavy metal pollutants into the soil and groundwater. Look for centers that recycle them instead, and buy only types that you know your center handles.

DISPOSABLE CAMERAS: Quick and convenient though they may be, disposable cameras produce a lot of solid waste—not just the camera body, but also the foil and cardboard packages. About a quarter of the cameras never make it back to the manufacturer to be recycled. A digital camera takes good pictures and generates far less waste, especially since you’ll probably print only the shots you really like.

We can make a difference just by making some small changes in our lifestyle!

CHILDREN: If your efforts to encourage the children away from their video games have been ineffective, consider involving them in games that get them thinking about more worthwhile subjects. CO2FX, for instance, explores the connection between global warming and political and economic factors.

Remember the 3 R's: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

*****

Remembering Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

2012-01-16T13:00:00.000-05:00

Let's Continue to Move Forward Together

Today is Martin Luther King Day. On this day we celebrate the life and legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who devoted his life to the pursuit of justice and equality for all.

President Ronald Reagan signed the King Holiday Bill into law on November 2, 1983—fifteen years after the assassination of the civil rights leader. A congressman from Michigan introduced the legislation just a few months after Dr. King’s death in 1968, but it took years of petitions, politics, and personal appeals from Coretta Scott King to get it passed.

Today, as we celebrate the 83rd anniversary of Dr. King's birth, I am reminded of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where Dr. King delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech.

"I traveled with friends and neighbors from Massachusetts to Washington, D.C. We caught the bus at midnight and arrived in D.C. in the early hours of August 28th.

We were filled with the passion and promise of change, ignited by the idea that, just maybe, if enough people showed up, the world would understand we were not satisfied with the current conditions of racism and the exclusion of so many in the United States.

After arriving in the Capital, we joined the organized march from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial. We stood in front of the podium, close enough to see and hear the speakers. The "Big Six" organizers of the march were Dr. King, of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference; James Farmer, of the Congress of Racial Equality; John Lewis, of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee; A. Philip Randolph, of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters; Roy Wilkins, of the NAACP; and Whitney Young Jr., of the National Urban League. The event included musical performances by Marian Anderson and Mahalia Jackson.

The written demands of the march were the passage of meaningful civil rights legislation; the elimination of racial segregation in public schools; protection for demonstrators against police brutality; a major public-works program to provide jobs; the passage of a law prohibiting racial discrimination in public and private hiring; a $2 an hour minimum wage; and self-government for the District of Columbia, which had a black majority.

The events were emotional, as 250,000 people from all walks of life, of different complexions, cultures and faiths, joined hands. Together we sang "We Shall Overcome." On that day our lives were changed forever. We wept, we laughed, we experienced joy and, most importantly, we returned to our homes with a renewed commitment to make a difference in the world. We were asked to take the message of a call for change back to our various communities.

I recently came across a paper that I had written on that day in 1963. Here is what I wrote:

"I pledge I will not relax until victory is won.

I pledge to carry the message to my friends and my neighbors back home and arouse them to an equal commitment and equal effort.

I will march and I will write letters.

I will demonstrate and I will vote.

I will work to make sure that my voice and my brothers' voices will ring out in all corners of the land.

I pledge my heart, my mind and my body unequivocally and without regard to personal sacrifice, to the achievement of social peace through social justice."

Today, I recognize that I was filled with youthful enthusiasm when I wrote those words. But I feel proud as I realize that during the time that has lapsed since that day, I have done my best to fulfill the pledge.”

**Portions of this were first published in The Buffalo News, New York - January 17, 2009

*****

In 2012, we are remember that we are the change that we are looking for. Let's continue to move forward together for a unified future.

On this special day take a moment to honor Dr. King’s work and reflect on his dream for America. Find out how you can participate in the national day of service and volunteer on Martin Luther King Day

peacesojourner

Sunday Reflection - Remembering Dr. King’s Birthday

2012-01-15T09:00:00.001-05:00

Remembering Dr. King’s Birthday

Today marks the third anniversary of the birth of my on-line blog site ‘Peacesojourner’.

I started this blog on a day that was very symbolic to me because January 15, 2009 was the 80th anniversary of the birth of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Here is what I wrote on my very first blog in 2009:

‘I have read several accounts of people speculating about what Dr. King would think of what is happening in the world today.

During the Civil Rights struggles of the 60's people marched and protested for basic rights such as eating at a lunch counter, attending schools in their own neighborhoods, being hired for a job for which they were qualified, and to exercise the most fundamental right of citizenship, to vote. We demanded justice and equality for everyone, not just the chosen few.

Yes, in many ways we are a better country today, and in some ways, the nation is moving beyond 'The Dream', but a look at recent news headlines tells the real story:

- Palestinian Death Toll in Gaza Approaches 1000 - Cemeteries Running Out of Space

- Bush Admin Official Admits Gitmo Prisoner Tortured

- 4 Charged in Election Night Hate Crimes

- 4,225 men and women from the USA have died in the current Iraq War

- Over 500,000 Lose Jobs in December - Official Unemployment Rate at 7.2%

- Illinois House Votes to Impeach Blagojevich

- A Transit Police Officer in Oakland, CA shot Oscar Grant execution style. He was shot in the back while facedown on the subway platform, unarmed and posing no threat.

I believe that if Dr. King were alive today he would still be trying to make changes for basic human rights. I also believe that he would have been the person chosen to give the prayer at the upcoming inauguration of President Barack Obama, and that he would have been beaming with joy.

Dr. King spoke the following words when he was speaking out about the US involvement in Viet Nam. The words are still very relevant today:

"If we assume that life is worth living and that humans have the right to survival, then we must find an alternative to war. In a day when vehicles hurtle through outer space, and guided ballistic missiles carve highways of death through the stratosphere; no nation can claim victory in war.

The church cannot be silent while humankind faces the threat of nuclear annihilation. If the church is true to her mission, she must call for an end to the arms race.

I am convinced that if we succumb to the temptation to use violence in our struggle for freedom, unborn generations will be the recipients of a long and desolate night of bitterness, and our chief legacy to them will be a never-ending reign of chaos.

Forgiveness is not an occasional act: it is a permanent attitude."

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’

*****

Today is the 83^rd anniversary of the birth of Rev Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

He will never be forgotten. May he Rest in Peace.

THEY SLEW THE DREAMER - LONG LIVE THE DREAM

peacesojourner

If It Is Thursday It's Going Green - Be Green, Live Green, Buy Green

2012-01-12T14:00:00.002-05:00

Remember the 4 R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repair

Most of us have heard about the importance of making environmentally friendly lifestyle changes. Do you think that "going green” could mean turning your life upside down?

If you believe you don't have the time or money to join the green movement, you might be surprised that you already have some eco-friendly habits. These simple practices make a difference and can help you on your way to living an even greener lifestyle.

If you follow any of the green practices listed below, you just may be greener than you think?

If your household:

• Recycles paper, glass and metal items

• Has swapped plastic bags for cloth bags when shopping

• Utilizes natural sunshine light during the day

• Uses long-lasting fluorescent light bulbs

• Turns light switches off when they leave a room

• Covers windows with curtains to keep out cold air

• Closes the fireplace damper when a fire isn't burning

• Has insulated all heating pipes in the home

• Runs your dishwasher and washing machine only when they are full

• Removes lint from the dryer filter after each use

• Covers pots and pans when cooking

• Cooks food in the microwave instead of the oven

• Uses shower-time efficiently and have installed a low-flow showerhead

If you eat: Locally grown organic foods, a variety of fruits and vegetables and limit your red meat consumption

If you drink: Filtered tap water instead of bottled water

If you buy:

• Organic cotton, bamboo, soy, or hemp clothing

• Reusable products, such as cloth napkins or plastic containers for food storage, rather than the disposable versions

• Natural bath and body products

• Nontoxic cleaning products

• Rechargeable batteries

If you travel…

• By carpool

• By public transportation

• By bicycle or on foot

• In a fuel-efficient vehicle

How are you doing so far?

Let me know how many of these environmentally friendly changes you

and your family have made.

peacesojourner@yahoo.com

Death in the Afternoon

2012-01-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

Here his mate is injured and her condition is grave.

He brought her food and attended to her with love and compassion.

Shocked at her death he tries to move her.

Aware that his sweetheart is dead and will never

come back to him, he cries with adoring love.

None know how long he stood beside her and cried,

devastated by the loss.

Finally, aware that she would never return to him, he stands

beside her lifeless body in sadness and sorrow.

Millions of people cried after viewing these photos throughout America, Europe and India . It is said that the photographer sold these pictures for a nominal fee to the most famous newspaper in France. All copies of that newspaper were sold out on the day these pictures were published. And some people think animals don't have a brain or feelings.......... Do animals have souls????

*****

The Death Of The Bird

For every bird there is this last migration;

Once more the cooling year kindles her heart;

With a warm passage to the summer station

Love pricks the course in lights across the chart.

Year after year a speck on the map divided

By a whole hemisphere, summons her to come;

Season after season, sure and safely guided,

Going away she is also coming home;

And being home, memory becomes a passion

With which she feeds her brood and straws her nest;

Aware of ghosts that haunt the heart's possession

And exiled love mourning within the breast.

The sands are green with a mirage of valleys;

The palm-tree casts a shadow not its own;

Down the long architrave of temple or palace

Blows a cool air from moorland scraps of stone.

And day by day the whisper of love grows stronger,

The delicate voice, more urgent with despair,

Custom and fear constraining her no longer,

Drives her at last on the waste leagues of air.

A vanishing speck in those inane dominions,

Single and frail, uncertain of her place.

Alone in the bright host of her companions,

Lost in the blue unfriendliness of space.

She feels it close now, the appointed season:

The invisible thread is broken as she flies;

Suddenly, without warning, without reason,

The guiding spark of instinct winks and dies.

Try as she will the trackless world delivers

No way, the wilderness of light no sign,

The immense and complex map of hills and rivers

Mocks her small wisdom with its vast design.

And darkness rises from the eastern valleys,

And the winds buffet her with their hungry breath,

And the great earth, with neither grief not malice,

Receives the tiny burden of her death.

-- A. D. Hope

A simple poem, but one that has always impressed me for the quiet way it

builds up in force and slowly expands to show her smallness against the

immensity of what she sets out to do.

peacesojourner

The Full Wolf Moon Tonight

2012-01-09T20:30:00.002-05:00

The Full Wolf Moon

Amid the zero cold and deep snows of midwinter, the wolf packs howled hungrily outside Native American villages. The Full Wolf Moon also known as the Old Moon or the Moon after Yule will be seen tonight. The Full Wolf Moon was named by Native Americans because it took place in January amid the cold and snow.

The Farmer's Almanac states that Indian tribes kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to each recurring full moon. The names, such as Wolf Moon, were applied to the entire month in which each occurred, so we are in Wolf Moon month.

To dedicated sky watchers, the moon has its own fascination, especially when it is full, as it will be tonight — the first full moon of 2011 and the biggest full moon this year. After all, this is the only object in the solar system on which we can see a wealth of detail without any optical aid whatsoever.

The first thing to look for is the man in the moon, or perhaps you can more easily see the woman in the moon or even the rabbit in the moon. One way or another, you can probably see a pattern of some sort in the play of bright and dark markings across the moon's face.

The darker areas are known as maria (singular mare, Latin for sea), though they have never seen a drop of water in the last four billion years. The lighter areas are mostly cratered highlands, where relatively recent asteroids have crashed into the moon's surface, exposing bright rock beneath the surface.

This, the first full moon of the year, is known as the Old Moon. Other names are Moon After Yule, and Ice Moon. In Hindi it is known as Paush Poornima. Its Sinhala (Buddhist) name is Duruthu Poya.

I just looked to the sky and locally we have heavy clouds - but here is what I know about Nature, the Full Wolf Moon is just above those clouds and elsewhere in the world there are many who will be able to view the magnificence of this moon.

So, once again, heads up tonight – enjoy Mother Nature’s gift to us.

peacesojourner

Sunday Reflection - The Baptism of Jesus

2012-01-08T14:00:00.000-05:00

Baptism of Christ: Jesus is baptized in the Jordan River by John.

painting by Davezelenka 2005

Today’s is the celebration of the Baptism of Jesus, when Christians officially end the celebration of Christmas and now move on to the next phase in the liturgical year, which is called the “Ordinary Time.”

In this season of endings as well as of new beginnings, we are assured of God’s ever-abiding presence. He remains to guide and protect us.

The Baptism, signals the end of the private life of Jesus Christ and the start of his public ministry. In Matthew 3 - John baptizes Jesus and then, the voice of the Father in heaven was heard, saying: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)

Some families baptize their children when they are infants. Others wait until the ‘age of reason’ (usually around the age of 12) and there are others who are not baptized until they make it their own personal choice as an adult.

No matter the age of the person, baptism is a commitment on behalf of the child or by an adult and is the ritual of initiation or entry into the community that unites us with Christ Jesus and the Christian community. Thus, in baptism, we bid “goodbye” to our old self and we welcome the “new life” in Christ.

As we celebrate today, let us be reminded of our personal baptismal promise to reject what is evil and to embrace what is good and pleasing before God. If we do this, we, like Jesus, will be pleasing to our Father in heaven.

1 Peter 3:21 - 'this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also - not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.'

In these turbulent times I pray that this reflection about Baptism will help to keep us grounded and that we concentrate on our personal faith journey and not get distracted by the acts of hatred that we witness or hear about daily.

Stay focused and do no harm, in this way we will be able to make positive changes in the world.

peacesojourner

If It Is Thursday It's Going Green - Save Energy in Your Kitchen

2012-01-05T09:00:00.001-05:00

Here we are again at the beginning of a new year. Our minds usually start thinking about ways that we can improve our lives in the upcoming year.

I have written several blogs about energy conservation and how we can improve the environment. There are so many easy ways that we can make small changes and I encourage you to consider the suggestions that I make. Here are some ideas from the local electric company:

The energy used in the average home can be responsible for more than twice the greenhouse gas emissions of the average car. When you use less energy at home, you reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and help protect our environment from the risks of global climate change.

Kitchen

When you can, cook many dishes together when using the oven. If the dishes call for separate temperature settings, just set it in the middle. Adjust cooking times rather than using the oven twice.

Cook with lids on your pans. For example, cooking spaghetti without a lid on the pot can use three times as much energy.
Use the smallest pan and burner needed for the job.
If the oven self-cleans, turn it on just after use, while the oven is still hot.
Don't peek into the oven as you cook. Every time the door is opened, a lot of heat escapes.

Contact a qualified heating contractor if your gas burners have a yellow flame instead of blue. Yellow flames may mean the gas is not burning efficiently.
Seek alternative cooking sources. A pressure cooker cuts cooking time by about two-thirds, and a microwave uses less than half the energy of a conventional electric oven.

Many dishwashers have energy-saving wash cycles that use less water. Using these cycles can save $5-15 per year.

Avoid running small loads in your dishwasher.

A no-heat air-dry feature also can save energy by as much as 15 to 50 percent. If you have an older dishwasher, turn the dishwasher off after the final rinse cycle is complete and open the door. This allows air-drying.

Some dishwashers have heaters to boost water temperature up to 140° or 145°F. However, most dishwashers function well at the 120°F setting. If your dishwasher has a booster heater, turn down your water heater thermostat to 120°F.

If you wash dishes by hand, fill wash and rinse basins instead of letting the water run. This uses half as much water as a dishwasher does.

Use cold water when running your garbage disposal. Cold water congeals grease better and keeps the disposal cooler, helping the unit run more efficiently.

Don’t forget “together we can make a difference”

peacesojourner

New Year's Resolutions -

2012-01-04T11:10:00.003-05:00

New Year's goals:

I cannot believe that three years have passed since the Dr. informed me that I had high cholesterol. She explained that too much cholesterol in the blood could be serious and pose a risk of getting heart disease. This can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

I was surprised to learn that only about 20% of cholesterol comes from the foods you eat. Your body makes the other 80%. Things such as age and family health history affect how much cholesterol your body makes. Unfortunately, there are usually no signs that you have high cholesterol, but it can be detected with a blood test.

She explained that this is a serious diagnosis and should not be taken lightly.

I took a long look at this information and decided that I had to make some changes in my lifestyle. The doctor suggested a change in diet and exercise.
I do not eat meat and my diet is already low in cholesterol but I took a look at what I eat and realized that three things had to go: cheese, egg yolks and desserts.

I had recently read that there are eight healthy foods that are essential to eat every day.

I am happy to report that I never took any medication to reduce the cholesterol but I did start the following food plan. I find all of these foods to be nourishing and tasty. My cholesterol count has been low for the past three years.

Here is the list of eight:

1. Spinach:  A rich source omega-3s and folate, which help reduce the risk of heart disease. 1-cup fresh spinach or a half-cup cooked per day. SUBSTITUTES: Kale, bok choy, romaine lettuce.

   
 2. Yogurt: Helps boost your immune system, provides protection against cancer. Make sure the label says “live and active cultures.” One cup a day. SUBSTITUTES: Kefir, cottage cheese. Plain fat free yogurt is also a perfect base for creamy salad dressings and dips.   

3. Tomatoes: packed with more of the antioxidant lycopene which can decrease your risk of bladder, lung, prostate, breast, skin, and stomach cancers, and coronary artery disease. Eight red cherry tomatoes or a glass of tomato juice per day. SUBSTITUTES: Red watermelon, pink grapefruit, Japanese persimmon, papaya, guava.

4. Carrots: are associated with a reduction in a wide range of cancers, as well as a reduced risk of inflammatory conditions such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. Aim for a half-cup a day. SUBSTITUTES: Sweet potato, pumpkin, butternut squash, yellow bell pepper, mango.

   
5. Blueberries: Host to more antioxidants than any other North American fruit, blueberries help prevent cancer, diabetes, and age-related memory changes. Rich in fiber and vitamins A and C can also boost cardiovascular health. 1-cup fresh blueberries a day, or a half-cup frozen or dried.   SUBSTITUTE: Açai, an Amazonian berry.

6. Black Beans: All beans are good for your heart and brain. They’re full of anthocyanins, antioxidant compounds that have been shown to improve brain function. A daily half-cup serving provides 8 grams of protein and 7.5 grams of fiber, and is low in calories and free of saturated fat.   SUBSTITUTES: Peas, lentils, and pinto, kidney, fava, and lima beans.

 
7. Walnuts: Richer in heart-healthy omega-3s than salmon, loaded with more anti-inflammatory polyphenols than red wine. A serving of walnuts is about 1 ounce, or seven nuts. Substitutes: Almonds, peanuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts, (all unsalted).

8. Oats: Awarded the FDA’s first seal of approval. They are packed with soluble fiber, which lowers the risk of heart disease. Oats have 10 grams of protein per half-cup serving, they deliver steady muscle-friendly energy.   SUBSTITUTES: Quinoa, flaxseed, amaranth, and pearl barley.

Thought this just might be of interest to someone who is reading. I truly believe that Nature provides us with what we need and I always explore natural healing before even thinking about taking a prescription medication.

Wishing you all a safe, happy and healthy year in 2012.

peacesojourner