Give thanks..

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Just as I give thanks for the beauty of the setting sun, I also give thanks for the "good news" that I found in the news, tonight on the web.  Small steps making a difference in our lives.

"Random Acts of Culture" was a joy to watch and hear, thank you so much to all who brought such a joyous occassion about.  I give thanks for the "Patriot Millionaires" who have signed a petition on their web site, asking congress not to renew the tax cuts for those in their financial bracket, when the tax cuts expire. They see doing this as one way to trim down our country's huge debt.  I give thanks for Oprah who so generously shares her wealth with so many folks near and far. Her show today brought much joy to all of the participants in the audience who received Oprah's favorite gifts in this final season of her show.

We may not all agree on these, but for me, they bring out the best of who we are rather then the worst, which is more often displayed.

We too, can find "Good News" in our daily lives if we are willing to see it; A good nights rest, a delicious meal, a warm hug from a friend ...to an unexpected gift.  We do have much to be thankful for. 

From which perspective will I choose to see?

Another perspective..

image:A-ZAnimals.com

I recently received this information in the mail from The Sioux Nation Relief Fund and wanted to share it:
"The Reality of Thanksgiving:  History tells us that in 1620 a group of Pilgrims arrived in Plymouth, MA. An unfamiliarity with the region, bitter cold weather conditions, inadequate clothing and little readily available food proved fatal to more than half the one hundred or so colonists.

Witnessing the death of so many men and women, the Wampanoag Indian tribe began supplying the remaining Pilgrims with corn seed and teaching them how to hunt wild game.  In the fall, the Pilgrims harvested a bountiful food crop.  In an act of appreciation to the American Indians, Governor Bradford declared a celebration of thanks, which we now know as the first Thanksgiving.

The genuine act of kindness demonstrated by the American Indians at that time, helped the colonists to survive in the new world.  But with terrible consequences to the American Indians.  As the number of colonists grew, the struggle of the American Indians began.

For hundreds of years, forces greater than the American Indians have been working against them.  The vast lands which were once "home" to American Indians have been reduced to scattered reservations, which many groups say are worse than inner-city ghettos, and comparable to third world poverty.

Many American Indians have been reduced to depending on others...just like the original colonists were 390 years ago.  This tragedy is a sad testimony for American Indians in our grand land of plenty and opportunity."

This is a perspective of Thanksgiving, I did not hear as I grew up. The focus was always on the Pilgrims.
We have not treated our sisters and brothers of the American Indians as we ourselves would like to be treated.  Even more, how much of the American Indian Story.. do we really know?  The famous saying.. "Get to know my story" before you judge me..has strong validity here.

For my part, I would like to say to my sisters and brothers of the American Indians, I am so sorry for all that you have suffered and continue to suffer. Your story and Your truth has not fully been told.  I will do what I can to share your story and your truth...getting my information from you and from your stories. 

Thank you for another perspective on the Reality of Thanksgiving!

Thank you Wild Turkey...

image: A-ZAnimals.com

With Thanksgiving approaching, I thought It might be a good idea to take a closer look at Turkey. What a majestic and colorful creature you are. The number of  feathers you have and the variety in size and color amaze me.
One other thing I learned about you at A-Z Animals.com was that you are an adept flyer!! I hope some day to see you in flight!
For so many years I have eaten of your flesh and never really taken a good look at you for who you are.
You and your family members have fed me/us so often. I loved waking up to the wonderful aroma of your meat being cooked as Mom prepared the table around which we would gather and give thanks.  I didn't really understand back then the full gift that you gave to us, as you gave us your life.

For too long, I took you for granted..you were food being cooked..Not a beautiful being willing to give your life that we might eat.

Now.. I see you differently and I hope I honor your gift more deeply for the sacred offering that you share.
May we this thanksgiving, take the time to give thanks for your sacred being, as we commune not only with you but with all of our loved ones with whom we will gather.

What will it take?

Sometimes those things that are "in our face" are the hardest to see!  Of course I see it, don't I?? 

As the human family struggles with the reality of Climate Change.. Who to believe? What to believe?
Change is occurring!  Just as clouds can change the perspective of these mountains.. the mountains remain.

Clouds of uncertainty can affect our perspective...regarding on going changes within the Web of Life; yet the changes remain.
 Are we willing to see what we would much rather not see?

What will it take for us to see, the impact of humans, on the Web of Life of which we are a part?
Even more.. what will it take for us to come together as a world family to address the changes and the impact of the changes on the most vulnerable of Beings, non human and human?

Golden Light of Love and hope..

My heart goes out to our sisters and brothers in Haiti as they face a Cholera epidemic. What hurts the most is that this epidemic would have far less impact if the people had access to clean water and were able to wash their hands as needed. This is not the case for a good portion of the people in Haiti

Just as this golden sun lights up the entire  sky, Let us pray that an out pouring of love in both prayer and action will stop the epidemic in its tracts.

 If we were facing this same crisis would we not hope that folks would come to our aide?

The power of one..

I have become fascinated lately with the magnitude of community within our world family... Each of these communities  recognize the need for and the power of one.  Do we recognize our own power?

Just as this beautiful bouquet in order to be its complete self, needs each and every petal.  Take some time today to take note of similar examples of community and the power of one..

Grass=many blades of grass in order to be whole... Sand=many grains of sand to be whole...Snow=many flakes of snow to be whole...

Where did we get the idea that "one" can not make a difference?