To understand the heart and the mind of a person,
look not at what he has already achieved,
but at what he aspires to.~
Kahlil Gibran............
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Sunday, June 6, 2010
The Glory of Friendship
The glory of friendship
is not the outstretched hand,
nor the kindly smile
nor the joy of companionship;
it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him.
Ralph Emerson
is not the outstretched hand,
nor the kindly smile
nor the joy of companionship;
it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him.
Ralph Emerson
Friday, June 4, 2010
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Happiness is a Voyage:
We convince ourselves that life will be better once we are married, have a baby, then another.
Then we get frustrated because our children are not old enough, and that all will be well when they are older.
Then we are frustrated because they reach adolescence and we must deal with them. Surely we’ll be happier when they grow out of the teen years.
We tell ourselves our life will be better when our spouse gets his/her act together, when we have a nicer car, when we can take a vacation, when we finally retire.
The truth is that there is no better time to be happy than right now.
If not, then when?
Your life will always be full of challenges.
It is better to admit as much and to decide to be happy in spite of it all.
For the longest time, it seemed that life was about to start.Real life.
But there was always some obstacle along the way, an ordeal to get through, some work to be finished, some time to be given, a bill to be paid.
Then life would start.
I finally came to understand that those obstacles were life.
That point of view helped me see that there isn’t any road to happiness.
Happiness IS the road.
So, enjoy every moment.
Stop waiting for school to end, for a return to school, to lose ten pounds, to gain ten ounds, for work to begin, to get married, for Friday evening,
for Sunday morning, waiting for a new car, for your mortgage to be paid off, for spring, for summer, for fall, for winter, for the first or the fifteenth of the month, for your song to be played on the radio, to die, to be reborn… before deciding to be happy.
Happiness is a voyage, not a destination.
There is no better time to be happy than… NOW!
Live and enjoy the moment.
Author: Unknown
Then we get frustrated because our children are not old enough, and that all will be well when they are older.
Then we are frustrated because they reach adolescence and we must deal with them. Surely we’ll be happier when they grow out of the teen years.
We tell ourselves our life will be better when our spouse gets his/her act together, when we have a nicer car, when we can take a vacation, when we finally retire.
The truth is that there is no better time to be happy than right now.
If not, then when?
Your life will always be full of challenges.
It is better to admit as much and to decide to be happy in spite of it all.
For the longest time, it seemed that life was about to start.Real life.
But there was always some obstacle along the way, an ordeal to get through, some work to be finished, some time to be given, a bill to be paid.
Then life would start.
I finally came to understand that those obstacles were life.
That point of view helped me see that there isn’t any road to happiness.
Happiness IS the road.
So, enjoy every moment.
Stop waiting for school to end, for a return to school, to lose ten pounds, to gain ten ounds, for work to begin, to get married, for Friday evening,
for Sunday morning, waiting for a new car, for your mortgage to be paid off, for spring, for summer, for fall, for winter, for the first or the fifteenth of the month, for your song to be played on the radio, to die, to be reborn… before deciding to be happy.
Happiness is a voyage, not a destination.
There is no better time to be happy than… NOW!
Live and enjoy the moment.
Author: Unknown
Monday, May 24, 2010
RULES OF MASONIC ETIQUETTE
1. WALKING BETWEEN THE ALTAR AND THE WORSHIPFUL MASTER:
Brethren do not pass between the Altar and the East when the lodge is open.
Why? As a courtesy to the Master, it is necessary that the three Great Lights which shine their eternal light and wisdom upon the Master to help him govern the lodge should never be in shadow, not even for a millisecond, during the processes of an initiation or degree work.
2. SITTING IN THE EAST:
Brethren do not take a seat in the East without an invitation... even if all other seats are full.
Why? While all Brethren within a tiled room are equal to one another, and the officers are servants of the brethren, all lodge officers have worked and studied long and hard for their lodge. It is, therefore, the Master’s prerogative to recognize this devotion and their loyalty by inviting distinguished visitors or a special member whom the Master wishes to honor to sit with him in the East. In other words, if you were in church, synagogue or mosque and the pews were full, would you go up and sit beside the Pastor, Rabbi or Imam (Muslim Priest)?
3. ALWAYS BE FULLY DRESSED:
Brethren do not enter their Lodge room either without their apron nor while putting on that apron…not even the tying of its strings.
Why? In respect to the formalities of their Lodge, officers expect that the Brethren will have the courtesy to enter it fully dressed and ready for the labor. They should not have to wait for a member to be fully "dressed", even just tying or adjusting their apron, to salute that member. It is expected that you will be properly and entirely dressed when you pass by the Tiler and enter your lodge room.
4. STAND WHEN YOU SPEAK:
No man sits while speaking in the lodge room, no matter if he addresses an officer or another brother.
Why? All lodge activity is based on each man in the lodge as being a servant of the Brethren. This includes the Worshipful Master and his officers. While the man, himself, who has been elected Worshipful Master does not gain any special honor, personally, as the Worshipful Master, it is to the Worshipful Master as the Master of the Lodge that a member stands to address. It is simply a form of respect ...and no different than attending a shareholder’s meeting or a City Council meeting.
It is expected that if you wish to address the audience, you will stand so all may see who is speaking.
5. TALKING:
"Side" talk while a degree is being conferred is considered bad manners.
Why? The lodge room is a Temple of the Great Architect of the Universe. The brethren within are working to make the best ashlars (stones) for His spiritual temple. Just as it is impolite to talk in a church, synagogue or mosque service, so it is improper to distract the officers, the workers in the degree or the candidate. Talking without asking to do so shows irreverence for the proceedings. God’s house is not for social conversation within the lodge room. It is for worship and learning the lesson of the day which is being taught. Unless you have requested of the Master to speak, silence is the rule. This also means no whispering.
HOW? If you have something of interest to say, raise your hand. When the Master recognizes you, you must stand up, and be recognized by the Master to speak. To address the brethren, you should say: “Worshipful Master, Right Worshipfuls, Worshipfuls, Wardens and Brethren”. If the Most Worshipful Master is in attendance, you should say: “Worshipful Master, Most Worshipful, Right Worshipfuls, Worshipfuls, Wardens and Brethren.
6. SPEAKING:
If you wish to offer a predetermined motion or matter for discussion, advise the Master beforehand.
Why? Advising the Master before the meeting that you intend to bring up a specific motion or a matter for discussion is an important courtesy. You may, indeed, do it without advising him in advance, but the Master may have plans of his own for that meeting, for which your proposed motion or discussion may not easily fit into the allotted time frame. As a courtesy to him, his work, and his dedication to the members, it is best to ask him privately, beforehand, if he will be able to recognize you to speak your purpose. This saves "face" for both of you. You will not publicly be refused and he will not have to seem disagreeable or arrogant in his refusal of your motion. If you wish to speak, (see number 6.), above.
7. OBEY THE GAVEL:
You must immediately obey the gavel.
Why? Failure to immediately obey the gavel is a GRAVE DISCOURTESY and VERY poor Masonic Etiquette. The Master is all powerful in the lodge and his word is final.
He can put or refuse to put any motion. He can rule any brother out of order on any subject at any time. He can say what he will, and what he will not, permit to be discussed. Brethren who think him unfair, arbitrary, unjust, or acting illegally have redress. The Grand Lodge can be appealed to on any such matter. However, in the lodge, the Master’s gavel denotes his emblem of authority, is supreme. When a brother is rapped down, he should obey at once, without any further discussion. It is VERY bad manners to do otherwise. In fact, it is perilously close to the line between bad manners and a Masonic offense. Masonic etiquette decries anyone who does not obey the gavel.
8. TURNING YOUR BACK:
Never turn one’s back on the Master to address the lodge without first receiving permission from the Master to speak.
Why? Any debates that are in motion must be conducted using proper Masonic etiquette. One always stands to order when addressing the chair. Customs differ in various jurisdictions as to the method of salute, however some salute should always be given when addressing the Master. Two brethren, both on their feet, simultaneously arguing a motion, who are facing each other and ignoring the Master is unacceptable.
9. SALUTE:
Some lodges (not all) offer salutes to the Master. Each of the brethren will salute the Master when they enter and when they leave their Masonic Mother lodge room or any other Masonic lodge room. Some lodges offer salutes to the Senior Warden.
Why? The Masonic etiquette of saluting the Master is your renewed pledge of fealty and service. It is your public display of decorum before all other brothers of your obligation. It shows your courteous respect for all that the Master stands for and shows that you acknowledge his authority. Salutes should reflect your heart-felt respect for all that for which he stands. The salute to the Master is your pledge of honor and service, your publicly shown obligation. A lazy, sloppy or improper salute is to be Masonically impolite and, thus, to exhibit poor Masonic etiquette.
10. BALLOTING:
Do not enter or leave the lodge room during a ballot.
Why? It is discourteous to leave the lodge room during a speech, during a degree, etc. There are several natural periods, such as at the end of one section and before the next begins, or when the Master puts the lodge at ease until the sound of the gavel. Then, and only then, you may leave the lodge without being considered rude.
It is Masonic Etiquette that all brethren are expected to vote when requested to do so. Failure to cast your ballot not only results in your failure to share in your duties, but is in direct disobedience of the Master’s request.
11. VOTING IS MANDATORY:
When an issue is put to a vote, all brethren should vote.
Why? A brother who does not vote is discourteous because he skews the ballot. He becomes the weak link in a strong chain. No matter what the reason of his non-vote, he injures the lodge’s ballot, its value and its secrecy. Failure to vote can injure a lodge’s feeling of brotherhood, and by that injury, can injure the Masonic fraternity. No matter what reason you may privately hold about voting, it is poor Masonic Etiquette to fail to vote when requested to do so by the Master.
12. SMOKING:
No smoking in the lodge room.
Why? While there are lodges who allow smoking during the business meeting (and you must be guided by the customs of your Mother Lodge), the ceremonies you take part in and watch are solemn occasions. In most lodge rooms, it is considered VERY disrespectful to smoke while the ceremonies are taking place. Smoking may take place in other parts of your building or outside and during refreshment.
13. SHOULDERING THE WORK:
It is good Masonic Etiquette to accept a request made in the name of the lodge if it is within your abilities.
Why? A lodge is a working "beehive of industry". A request made of you from your lodge acknowledges that the lodge trusts you to competently fulfill such a request based upon your knowledge.
14. CORRECTION OF VERBAL ERRORS:
Lodge customs state that no one except for the Worshipful Master or his prearranged designee, may correct any mistake that may occur during the course of a Ceremony, and even he does so only when the error is a serious one.
Why? It is discourteous to point out others mistakes in front of the lodge brethren. If you are in possession of a mind which allows you to be able to perform each and every degree and ceremony, perfectly, please advise the Worshipful Master of such that he may take advantage of your services to mentor others.
15. EXHIBIT GOOD POSTURE:
Why? Good posture is necessary while within the Lodge room. Lounging, leaning and slovenly attitudes should be avoided. Poor posture is considered poor Masonic etiquette.
16. NO PRACTICAL JOKES NOR OFF-COLOR STORIES:
Why? The great lessons of Masonry, which are taught by our ritual, should never be demeaned by levity or pranks. The lodge room is not a proper location for the telling of practical jokes, pranks, horseplay nor off-color stories.
17. USE PROPER MASONIC NAMES:
Why? It is common courtesy to be accurate in speaking a brother’s name, so it is proper Masonic etiquette to address officers, members, and visitors by their correct Masonic titles and addresses.
18. ENTERING LODGE AFTER THE MEETING HAS BEGUN:
If a brother should enter the Lodge after the opening ceremony is under way, he should go to the Altar to salute the Master. If he must leave before the meeting is over, the correct Masonic etiquette of his departure is that he should salute the Presiding Master at the Altar before he departs. The salute should always be given properly and not in a careless or perfunctory manner.
19. ALL PRAYERS AT LODGE FUNCTIONS ARE NON-SECTARIAN:
Freemasonry is worldwide and holds no sectarian views. Non-sectarian means not sectioned into one, specific religion. Freemasonry embraces all religions. A Mason may choose the religion of his choice in his private life but should be aware and open to the fact that others among the brethren do not necessarily share nor were they brought up with the religious dogmas and beliefs that you, personally, embrace.
Why? Prayers at lodge functions should be scrupulously in keeping with Masonic teachings. The Masonic Etiquette of offered prayers is that they should never be an expression of specific sectarian views or dogmatic creeds. It is a matter of courtesy that all prayers, speeches and discussions at Masonic affairs avoid sectarian, controversial or political tones. Prayers are best directed to the Creator, the Master Architect of the Universe and not toward specific religious teachings such as Jesus Christ, Mother Mary, Muhammad, Jehovah, Allah etc. To do so omits the religions of others within the brethren, which can cause conflict and therefore not be harmonious to the whole. In the spirit of non-sectarianism, we must remember that since the day that our Creator found that Man created the Tower of Babel to glorify themselves; it is HE who changed man's language into the many diverse languages now spoken on Earth. In so doing, our Creator has many names across the world.
20. TURN CELL PHONES OFF:
All cell phones should be turned off before entering the lodge room so as not to disrupt the proceedings.
Brethren do not pass between the Altar and the East when the lodge is open.
Why? As a courtesy to the Master, it is necessary that the three Great Lights which shine their eternal light and wisdom upon the Master to help him govern the lodge should never be in shadow, not even for a millisecond, during the processes of an initiation or degree work.
2. SITTING IN THE EAST:
Brethren do not take a seat in the East without an invitation... even if all other seats are full.
Why? While all Brethren within a tiled room are equal to one another, and the officers are servants of the brethren, all lodge officers have worked and studied long and hard for their lodge. It is, therefore, the Master’s prerogative to recognize this devotion and their loyalty by inviting distinguished visitors or a special member whom the Master wishes to honor to sit with him in the East. In other words, if you were in church, synagogue or mosque and the pews were full, would you go up and sit beside the Pastor, Rabbi or Imam (Muslim Priest)?
3. ALWAYS BE FULLY DRESSED:
Brethren do not enter their Lodge room either without their apron nor while putting on that apron…not even the tying of its strings.
Why? In respect to the formalities of their Lodge, officers expect that the Brethren will have the courtesy to enter it fully dressed and ready for the labor. They should not have to wait for a member to be fully "dressed", even just tying or adjusting their apron, to salute that member. It is expected that you will be properly and entirely dressed when you pass by the Tiler and enter your lodge room.
4. STAND WHEN YOU SPEAK:
No man sits while speaking in the lodge room, no matter if he addresses an officer or another brother.
Why? All lodge activity is based on each man in the lodge as being a servant of the Brethren. This includes the Worshipful Master and his officers. While the man, himself, who has been elected Worshipful Master does not gain any special honor, personally, as the Worshipful Master, it is to the Worshipful Master as the Master of the Lodge that a member stands to address. It is simply a form of respect ...and no different than attending a shareholder’s meeting or a City Council meeting.
It is expected that if you wish to address the audience, you will stand so all may see who is speaking.
5. TALKING:
"Side" talk while a degree is being conferred is considered bad manners.
Why? The lodge room is a Temple of the Great Architect of the Universe. The brethren within are working to make the best ashlars (stones) for His spiritual temple. Just as it is impolite to talk in a church, synagogue or mosque service, so it is improper to distract the officers, the workers in the degree or the candidate. Talking without asking to do so shows irreverence for the proceedings. God’s house is not for social conversation within the lodge room. It is for worship and learning the lesson of the day which is being taught. Unless you have requested of the Master to speak, silence is the rule. This also means no whispering.
HOW? If you have something of interest to say, raise your hand. When the Master recognizes you, you must stand up, and be recognized by the Master to speak. To address the brethren, you should say: “Worshipful Master, Right Worshipfuls, Worshipfuls, Wardens and Brethren”. If the Most Worshipful Master is in attendance, you should say: “Worshipful Master, Most Worshipful, Right Worshipfuls, Worshipfuls, Wardens and Brethren.
6. SPEAKING:
If you wish to offer a predetermined motion or matter for discussion, advise the Master beforehand.
Why? Advising the Master before the meeting that you intend to bring up a specific motion or a matter for discussion is an important courtesy. You may, indeed, do it without advising him in advance, but the Master may have plans of his own for that meeting, for which your proposed motion or discussion may not easily fit into the allotted time frame. As a courtesy to him, his work, and his dedication to the members, it is best to ask him privately, beforehand, if he will be able to recognize you to speak your purpose. This saves "face" for both of you. You will not publicly be refused and he will not have to seem disagreeable or arrogant in his refusal of your motion. If you wish to speak, (see number 6.), above.
7. OBEY THE GAVEL:
You must immediately obey the gavel.
Why? Failure to immediately obey the gavel is a GRAVE DISCOURTESY and VERY poor Masonic Etiquette. The Master is all powerful in the lodge and his word is final.
He can put or refuse to put any motion. He can rule any brother out of order on any subject at any time. He can say what he will, and what he will not, permit to be discussed. Brethren who think him unfair, arbitrary, unjust, or acting illegally have redress. The Grand Lodge can be appealed to on any such matter. However, in the lodge, the Master’s gavel denotes his emblem of authority, is supreme. When a brother is rapped down, he should obey at once, without any further discussion. It is VERY bad manners to do otherwise. In fact, it is perilously close to the line between bad manners and a Masonic offense. Masonic etiquette decries anyone who does not obey the gavel.
8. TURNING YOUR BACK:
Never turn one’s back on the Master to address the lodge without first receiving permission from the Master to speak.
Why? Any debates that are in motion must be conducted using proper Masonic etiquette. One always stands to order when addressing the chair. Customs differ in various jurisdictions as to the method of salute, however some salute should always be given when addressing the Master. Two brethren, both on their feet, simultaneously arguing a motion, who are facing each other and ignoring the Master is unacceptable.
9. SALUTE:
Some lodges (not all) offer salutes to the Master. Each of the brethren will salute the Master when they enter and when they leave their Masonic Mother lodge room or any other Masonic lodge room. Some lodges offer salutes to the Senior Warden.
Why? The Masonic etiquette of saluting the Master is your renewed pledge of fealty and service. It is your public display of decorum before all other brothers of your obligation. It shows your courteous respect for all that the Master stands for and shows that you acknowledge his authority. Salutes should reflect your heart-felt respect for all that for which he stands. The salute to the Master is your pledge of honor and service, your publicly shown obligation. A lazy, sloppy or improper salute is to be Masonically impolite and, thus, to exhibit poor Masonic etiquette.
10. BALLOTING:
Do not enter or leave the lodge room during a ballot.
Why? It is discourteous to leave the lodge room during a speech, during a degree, etc. There are several natural periods, such as at the end of one section and before the next begins, or when the Master puts the lodge at ease until the sound of the gavel. Then, and only then, you may leave the lodge without being considered rude.
It is Masonic Etiquette that all brethren are expected to vote when requested to do so. Failure to cast your ballot not only results in your failure to share in your duties, but is in direct disobedience of the Master’s request.
11. VOTING IS MANDATORY:
When an issue is put to a vote, all brethren should vote.
Why? A brother who does not vote is discourteous because he skews the ballot. He becomes the weak link in a strong chain. No matter what the reason of his non-vote, he injures the lodge’s ballot, its value and its secrecy. Failure to vote can injure a lodge’s feeling of brotherhood, and by that injury, can injure the Masonic fraternity. No matter what reason you may privately hold about voting, it is poor Masonic Etiquette to fail to vote when requested to do so by the Master.
12. SMOKING:
No smoking in the lodge room.
Why? While there are lodges who allow smoking during the business meeting (and you must be guided by the customs of your Mother Lodge), the ceremonies you take part in and watch are solemn occasions. In most lodge rooms, it is considered VERY disrespectful to smoke while the ceremonies are taking place. Smoking may take place in other parts of your building or outside and during refreshment.
13. SHOULDERING THE WORK:
It is good Masonic Etiquette to accept a request made in the name of the lodge if it is within your abilities.
Why? A lodge is a working "beehive of industry". A request made of you from your lodge acknowledges that the lodge trusts you to competently fulfill such a request based upon your knowledge.
14. CORRECTION OF VERBAL ERRORS:
Lodge customs state that no one except for the Worshipful Master or his prearranged designee, may correct any mistake that may occur during the course of a Ceremony, and even he does so only when the error is a serious one.
Why? It is discourteous to point out others mistakes in front of the lodge brethren. If you are in possession of a mind which allows you to be able to perform each and every degree and ceremony, perfectly, please advise the Worshipful Master of such that he may take advantage of your services to mentor others.
15. EXHIBIT GOOD POSTURE:
Why? Good posture is necessary while within the Lodge room. Lounging, leaning and slovenly attitudes should be avoided. Poor posture is considered poor Masonic etiquette.
16. NO PRACTICAL JOKES NOR OFF-COLOR STORIES:
Why? The great lessons of Masonry, which are taught by our ritual, should never be demeaned by levity or pranks. The lodge room is not a proper location for the telling of practical jokes, pranks, horseplay nor off-color stories.
17. USE PROPER MASONIC NAMES:
Why? It is common courtesy to be accurate in speaking a brother’s name, so it is proper Masonic etiquette to address officers, members, and visitors by their correct Masonic titles and addresses.
18. ENTERING LODGE AFTER THE MEETING HAS BEGUN:
If a brother should enter the Lodge after the opening ceremony is under way, he should go to the Altar to salute the Master. If he must leave before the meeting is over, the correct Masonic etiquette of his departure is that he should salute the Presiding Master at the Altar before he departs. The salute should always be given properly and not in a careless or perfunctory manner.
19. ALL PRAYERS AT LODGE FUNCTIONS ARE NON-SECTARIAN:
Freemasonry is worldwide and holds no sectarian views. Non-sectarian means not sectioned into one, specific religion. Freemasonry embraces all religions. A Mason may choose the religion of his choice in his private life but should be aware and open to the fact that others among the brethren do not necessarily share nor were they brought up with the religious dogmas and beliefs that you, personally, embrace.
Why? Prayers at lodge functions should be scrupulously in keeping with Masonic teachings. The Masonic Etiquette of offered prayers is that they should never be an expression of specific sectarian views or dogmatic creeds. It is a matter of courtesy that all prayers, speeches and discussions at Masonic affairs avoid sectarian, controversial or political tones. Prayers are best directed to the Creator, the Master Architect of the Universe and not toward specific religious teachings such as Jesus Christ, Mother Mary, Muhammad, Jehovah, Allah etc. To do so omits the religions of others within the brethren, which can cause conflict and therefore not be harmonious to the whole. In the spirit of non-sectarianism, we must remember that since the day that our Creator found that Man created the Tower of Babel to glorify themselves; it is HE who changed man's language into the many diverse languages now spoken on Earth. In so doing, our Creator has many names across the world.
20. TURN CELL PHONES OFF:
All cell phones should be turned off before entering the lodge room so as not to disrupt the proceedings.
CELESTINE PROPHECY INSIGHTS
1) The awareness begins with a feeling of restlessness - an inner urging to find more meaning in life. As we respond to this inner prompting we begin to notice the "chance coincidences" - strange synchronistic events in our life. We begin to realize that some underlying process is operating our life.
2) We take a look at the evolution of consciousness (thought) of humankind, and we begin to see everything in a larger prospective. We become conscious of our preoccupation with the material world and begin to seek a deeper meaning and purpose to our lives.
3) We begin to see our connectedness. We become aware of the subtle energy that infuses all things and the relationship we have with that energy. By consciously becoming co-creators and choosing what we think we can have a positive effect on our world.
4) We unconsciously compete for energy from other people and this competition underlies all conflicts. As we begin to become aware of these power struggles, we learn that there is, in Reality, no lack of energy - there is another Greater Source of endless energy.
5) The key to overcoming conflict is tapping into the Greater Source through the mystical experience. In this experience we sense our connectednss and oneness with everything. This experience is available to everyone, as we allow ourselves to be filled with a sense of love.
6) Childhood traumas block our ability to fully experience the mystical. All of us carry wounding and false messages from our past. As we get in touch with our own personal control issues we can begin healing the blocks of our past and transcending them.
7) Once cleared of our past traumas, we can build energy through contemplation and meditation. As we focus on our basic life question, we receive the guidance we need through intuition, dreams, and synchronistic connections that guide us in the direction of our own evolution and transformation.
8) Evolution can't be done alone, so practice uplifting those who cross your path. We are here to support and teach each other. Release addictive relationships, and integrate and embrace all parts of yourself, so that you become a whole person.
9) Our purpose here is to evolve consciously. As our planet evolves through greater technology we are freed up to spend more time to evolve spiritually. As we spend more time connecting with our Higher Source we experience a higher vibratory energy which nurtures ourselves, each other, and our planet. We eventually connect with God's energy in such a way that we become beings of light and the kingdom of heaven is manifested here on earth.
- James Redfield, from the book "The Celestine Prophecy"
2) We take a look at the evolution of consciousness (thought) of humankind, and we begin to see everything in a larger prospective. We become conscious of our preoccupation with the material world and begin to seek a deeper meaning and purpose to our lives.
3) We begin to see our connectedness. We become aware of the subtle energy that infuses all things and the relationship we have with that energy. By consciously becoming co-creators and choosing what we think we can have a positive effect on our world.
4) We unconsciously compete for energy from other people and this competition underlies all conflicts. As we begin to become aware of these power struggles, we learn that there is, in Reality, no lack of energy - there is another Greater Source of endless energy.
5) The key to overcoming conflict is tapping into the Greater Source through the mystical experience. In this experience we sense our connectednss and oneness with everything. This experience is available to everyone, as we allow ourselves to be filled with a sense of love.
6) Childhood traumas block our ability to fully experience the mystical. All of us carry wounding and false messages from our past. As we get in touch with our own personal control issues we can begin healing the blocks of our past and transcending them.
7) Once cleared of our past traumas, we can build energy through contemplation and meditation. As we focus on our basic life question, we receive the guidance we need through intuition, dreams, and synchronistic connections that guide us in the direction of our own evolution and transformation.
8) Evolution can't be done alone, so practice uplifting those who cross your path. We are here to support and teach each other. Release addictive relationships, and integrate and embrace all parts of yourself, so that you become a whole person.
9) Our purpose here is to evolve consciously. As our planet evolves through greater technology we are freed up to spend more time to evolve spiritually. As we spend more time connecting with our Higher Source we experience a higher vibratory energy which nurtures ourselves, each other, and our planet. We eventually connect with God's energy in such a way that we become beings of light and the kingdom of heaven is manifested here on earth.
- James Redfield, from the book "The Celestine Prophecy"
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Taking Responsibility For Your Destiny
There are those of us who believe that our lives are predestined and that we should resign ourselves to our lots in life.
Yet the truth is that it is up to each one of us to decide what that destiny will be. While each of us is born with a life purpose, it is up to us whether or not we will say yes to fulfilling it. And just like when we choose what to eat, who to keep company with, and whether to turn right or left when we leave our home everyday, choosing to say yes to your destiny is a decision that can only be realized when you take action to make that choice a reality.
Whether you believe it is your destiny to be a parent, an adventurer, an artist, a pioneer, or a spiritual guru, saying yes to your destiny is only the first step. While manifesting your destiny starts with knowing what you want and believing you can attain your goals, there are then the actions that must be taken and the decisions to be made before your destiny can truly happen.
When you take responsibility for fulfilling your destiny and begin acting with the intention of doing so, you not only take fate into your own hands, but also you become the hands of your own fate.
Doorways inevitably open for you to step through, and every choice you make can be a creative act toward realizing your goals and dreams.
You begin to follow your instincts and intuition, recognize opportunities when they are presented to you, and seize those golden moments.
You also begin to recognize the decisions that may not serve this greater picture and can more easily push them aside.
Remembering that the decision to fulfill your destiny is always a choice can be empowering.
Knowing you are fulfilling your destiny because you want to, rather than because you have to, can make a huge difference.
When you are freed from obligation, obstacles in your way become challenges to be overcome, and the journey becomes an adventure rather than the obligatory steps you are being forced to take.
Your destiny may be waiting for you, but whether or not you meet your destiny is up to you.
Your fate is in your hands.
Yet the truth is that it is up to each one of us to decide what that destiny will be. While each of us is born with a life purpose, it is up to us whether or not we will say yes to fulfilling it. And just like when we choose what to eat, who to keep company with, and whether to turn right or left when we leave our home everyday, choosing to say yes to your destiny is a decision that can only be realized when you take action to make that choice a reality.
Whether you believe it is your destiny to be a parent, an adventurer, an artist, a pioneer, or a spiritual guru, saying yes to your destiny is only the first step. While manifesting your destiny starts with knowing what you want and believing you can attain your goals, there are then the actions that must be taken and the decisions to be made before your destiny can truly happen.
When you take responsibility for fulfilling your destiny and begin acting with the intention of doing so, you not only take fate into your own hands, but also you become the hands of your own fate.
Doorways inevitably open for you to step through, and every choice you make can be a creative act toward realizing your goals and dreams.
You begin to follow your instincts and intuition, recognize opportunities when they are presented to you, and seize those golden moments.
You also begin to recognize the decisions that may not serve this greater picture and can more easily push them aside.
Remembering that the decision to fulfill your destiny is always a choice can be empowering.
Knowing you are fulfilling your destiny because you want to, rather than because you have to, can make a huge difference.
When you are freed from obligation, obstacles in your way become challenges to be overcome, and the journey becomes an adventure rather than the obligatory steps you are being forced to take.
Your destiny may be waiting for you, but whether or not you meet your destiny is up to you.
Your fate is in your hands.
Friday, May 14, 2010
A Short History About the Square and Compasses
THE SQUARE...Morality
THE COMPASS...Boundarie s
Trying Square:
In the operative stone mason era, the 90 degree angle of the square was a necessary tool used to test the accuracy of the sides of a stone to ascertain that the stone's angles matched the square's "true" right angle.
Morality:
In speculative Freemasonry, the square is a symbol of morality.
Official Masonic Usage:
1. It is one of the 3 Great Lights (the Square, the Compass and the Holy Book).
2. It is the working tool of a Fellowcraft.
3. It is the official emblem of the Master of the lodge.
In each of its above roles, it inculcates (teaches) the repeated lesson of morality, truthfulness and honesty.
Common Usage: The square is so universally accepted that it has found its way into colloquial language with which we communicate on a daily basis. We have all heard the sayings: "Getting a square deal; Are you on the square? and Squaring off".
While the specific date with which the Masonic square became an official Masonic symbol is not known, it was one of the primary tools which an operative mason used in his craft.
In France, one leg is longer than the other due to the nature of its original construction (see Euclid's 47th Proposition).
The American Freemason square has equal length "legs", however it has been unnecessarily marked off in increments of inches, as if to measure length and breadth, which is not its true purpose.
An Antique Square:
In 1830, an architect who was rebuilding an ancient bridge called Baal Bridge near Limerick, Ireland removed the foundation stone of the bridge and found a much eaten away old brass square. On the surfaces of its 2 legs, was the following inscription:
"I will strive to live - with love and care - upon the level - by the square." It was dated 1517.
1725: In one of the very earliest catechisms (rituals) we find these words:
Q: "How many make a lodge?
A: God and the Squares, with 5 or 7 right or perfect Masons."
1880: Excerpt from a speech delivered by Brother Herbert A. Geles, Worshipful Master of Ionic Lodge No. 1781, at Amoy, entitled "Freemasonry in China"
"From time immemorial, we find the Square and Compasses used by Chinese writers to symbolize precisely the same phases of moral conduct as in our system of Freemasonry.
The earliest passage known to me (Albert Mackey) which bears upon the subject is to be found in the Book of History, embracing the period reaching from the 24th to the 7th century before Christ. It is there, in an account of a military expedition, that we read:
"Ye officers of government, apply the Compasses!"
In another part of the same records, a Magistrate (judge) is spoken of as:
"A man of the level, or the level man."
481 B.C.:
The public discourses of Confucius provide us with several Masonic allusions of a more or less definite character. When recounting his own degrees of moral progress in life, the Master tells us that only at 75 years of age could he venture to follow the inclinations of his heart, without fear of transgressing the limits of the Square."
Circa 281 B.C.:
In the works of Mencius, a follower of Confucius, is a fuller and more impressive Masonic phraseology:
Book vi: "The Master mason in teaching his apprentices, makes use of the Square and the Compasses. Ye who are engaged in the pursuit of wisdom must also make use of the Square and the Compasses."
300-400 Years Before Christ:
In the Great Learning, Chapter 10, believed to have been written circa 300-400 B.C., we read that a man should abstain from doing unto others what he would not they should do unto him; "this," adds the writer, "is called the principle of acting on the Square."
Of course, we are familiar with this statement today, as the Golden Rule, as also found in the Bible.
Possibly most interesting of all is the fact that the symbolism recorded of the Square permeates equally so many languages across the world, (sic: over nearly 2400 years) and, in each of them, the Square has preserved it original symbolism...as the symbol of morality."
End of Albert Mackey's dissertation on the Square and Compasses
THE COMPASS...Boundarie s
Trying Square:
In the operative stone mason era, the 90 degree angle of the square was a necessary tool used to test the accuracy of the sides of a stone to ascertain that the stone's angles matched the square's "true" right angle.
Morality:
In speculative Freemasonry, the square is a symbol of morality.
Official Masonic Usage:
1. It is one of the 3 Great Lights (the Square, the Compass and the Holy Book).
2. It is the working tool of a Fellowcraft.
3. It is the official emblem of the Master of the lodge.
In each of its above roles, it inculcates (teaches) the repeated lesson of morality, truthfulness and honesty.
Common Usage: The square is so universally accepted that it has found its way into colloquial language with which we communicate on a daily basis. We have all heard the sayings: "Getting a square deal; Are you on the square? and Squaring off".
While the specific date with which the Masonic square became an official Masonic symbol is not known, it was one of the primary tools which an operative mason used in his craft.
In France, one leg is longer than the other due to the nature of its original construction (see Euclid's 47th Proposition).
The American Freemason square has equal length "legs", however it has been unnecessarily marked off in increments of inches, as if to measure length and breadth, which is not its true purpose.
An Antique Square:
In 1830, an architect who was rebuilding an ancient bridge called Baal Bridge near Limerick, Ireland removed the foundation stone of the bridge and found a much eaten away old brass square. On the surfaces of its 2 legs, was the following inscription:
"I will strive to live - with love and care - upon the level - by the square." It was dated 1517.
1725: In one of the very earliest catechisms (rituals) we find these words:
Q: "How many make a lodge?
A: God and the Squares, with 5 or 7 right or perfect Masons."
1880: Excerpt from a speech delivered by Brother Herbert A. Geles, Worshipful Master of Ionic Lodge No. 1781, at Amoy, entitled "Freemasonry in China"
"From time immemorial, we find the Square and Compasses used by Chinese writers to symbolize precisely the same phases of moral conduct as in our system of Freemasonry.
The earliest passage known to me (Albert Mackey) which bears upon the subject is to be found in the Book of History, embracing the period reaching from the 24th to the 7th century before Christ. It is there, in an account of a military expedition, that we read:
"Ye officers of government, apply the Compasses!"
In another part of the same records, a Magistrate (judge) is spoken of as:
"A man of the level, or the level man."
481 B.C.:
The public discourses of Confucius provide us with several Masonic allusions of a more or less definite character. When recounting his own degrees of moral progress in life, the Master tells us that only at 75 years of age could he venture to follow the inclinations of his heart, without fear of transgressing the limits of the Square."
Circa 281 B.C.:
In the works of Mencius, a follower of Confucius, is a fuller and more impressive Masonic phraseology:
Book vi: "The Master mason in teaching his apprentices, makes use of the Square and the Compasses. Ye who are engaged in the pursuit of wisdom must also make use of the Square and the Compasses."
300-400 Years Before Christ:
In the Great Learning, Chapter 10, believed to have been written circa 300-400 B.C., we read that a man should abstain from doing unto others what he would not they should do unto him; "this," adds the writer, "is called the principle of acting on the Square."
Of course, we are familiar with this statement today, as the Golden Rule, as also found in the Bible.
Possibly most interesting of all is the fact that the symbolism recorded of the Square permeates equally so many languages across the world, (sic: over nearly 2400 years) and, in each of them, the Square has preserved it original symbolism...as the symbol of morality."
End of Albert Mackey's dissertation on the Square and Compasses
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Failure..............
Failure doesn't mean - "You accomplished nothing,
"It means - You have learned something.
Failure doesn't mean - "You have been a fool,"
It means - You had a lot of faith.
Failure doesn't mean - "You don't have it,
"It means - You were willing to try.
Failure doesn't mean - "You are inferior,
"It means - You are not perfect.
Failure doesn't mean - "You've wasted your life,
"It means - You have a reason to start afresh.
Failure doesn't mean - "You should give up,
"It means - "You must try harder.
Failure doesn't mean - "You'll never make it,
"It means - It will take a little longer.
Failure doesn't mean - "God has abandoned you,
"It means - God has a better way for you....
"It means - You have learned something.
Failure doesn't mean - "You have been a fool,"
It means - You had a lot of faith.
Failure doesn't mean - "You don't have it,
"It means - You were willing to try.
Failure doesn't mean - "You are inferior,
"It means - You are not perfect.
Failure doesn't mean - "You've wasted your life,
"It means - You have a reason to start afresh.
Failure doesn't mean - "You should give up,
"It means - "You must try harder.
Failure doesn't mean - "You'll never make it,
"It means - It will take a little longer.
Failure doesn't mean - "God has abandoned you,
"It means - God has a better way for you....
Friday, May 7, 2010
LIFE..........
Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it.
by: Mother Teresa
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it.
by: Mother Teresa
In search of further light in Masonry:
Here is one of the Masonic Article I came across, hope we can learn something from it -----
What monarch, the son of King David and what is the literal meaning of his name SOLOMON?.
Solomon: Kabalistic composition, its outward form expressed the symbolism as the three principal officers of a Masonic Lodge.
Sol --------------------- The sun: Worshipful Master ;
Om --------------------- The meridian sun Senior Warden ;
On -------------------- The setting sun Junior Warden
"Sit Lux et Lux Fuit": Translate to "Let there be light and there was light".
What monarch, the son of King David and what is the literal meaning of his name SOLOMON?.
Solomon: Kabalistic composition, its outward form expressed the symbolism as the three principal officers of a Masonic Lodge.
Sol --------------------- The sun: Worshipful Master ;
Om --------------------- The meridian sun Senior Warden ;
On -------------------- The setting sun Junior Warden
"Sit Lux et Lux Fuit": Translate to "Let there be light and there was light".
Thursday, May 6, 2010
My Initial Test Blog
"Good communication is as stimulating as
black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after."
— Anne Morrow Lindbergh
black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after."
— Anne Morrow Lindbergh
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