ARCHIVES 2022
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 A man who was abducted as a child in China more than 30 years ago has been reunited with his parents – thanks to a hand-drawn map he drew from memory. Li Jingwei couldn't remember the names of his parents or the village from where he was taken, but he remembered the rice paddies and ponds near his house. He posted the map online, which caught the attention of the right people, and Li had a tearful reunion with his parents.
“Let love be the light that leads you home.” – Rumi Affirmative prayer: I give thanks that the love of God surrounds me, and the light of God brightens my path and leads me home. Amen.  Runway lights at the Deering Airport in Alaska were out of commission, so residents of the small town used their vehicles to light up the runway so a medevac plane could land and pick up an infant patient. The lights from the town’s residents and the bravery of the medevac pilots made it possible for the plane to land and take off again, and the moment took on a miraculous air when the Northern Lights came out.
“We obscure the power of God in the darkness. Unite with one another, and the light removes the darkness in an instant. The number of miracles that you are about is limitless.” – A Course in Miracles Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, I am grateful for the points of light in the hearts and minds of all. For the goodwill, the encouragement, and the genuine miracles that we bring to each other’s lives. There is brightness everywhere. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  Kathy Whitworth, the winningest golfer in history, has died at the age of 83. She had 88 wins on the LPGA Tour, more than Sam Sneads and Tiger Woods. “Kathy was a champion in the truest sense of the word,” LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan said. “Her strength, insightfulness, and vibrancy were displayed on and off the golf course.”
“If you always do your best, you will be set free. When you are tempted to judge yourself, you’ve got the answer: ‘I did my best.’ No regrets, no guilt. You allow yourself to be fully alive in the moment and enjoy the dream that is happening right now.” - don Miguel Ruiz, The Four Agreements Affirmative prayer: Today, I release the feelings of guilt and being less than I “should be.” I live, move, and rest in the assurance that I am doing my best, fulfilling my God-given potential. I am present in the moment, answering the call to wholly live. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  It might not seem like it sometimes, but the world has mostly become a better place to live in the last 11 years, according to the Social Progress Imperative. The nonprofit looks at health, safety, education, healthcare, access to technology, and the environment. Scandinavian countries rank the highest, with the United States ranking far down the list.
“For the planet and for all living beings to move forward, we rely on an inherent original goodness and a universally shared dignity.” – Richard Rohr Affirmative prayer: Today, I give thanks for the purity of Life and for all the sacred companions who carry out this goodness in their daily beingness. Small and large benevolent gestures, kindness, and generosity define us as spiritual beings. We celebrate this inherent truth, this shared expression of love and Oneness. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  Kwanzaa, celebrated December 26-January 1, is an African American holiday that honors family, community, and culture. Feasts, music, dance, poetry, and narratives make up the festivities, with participants dedicating themselves to seven principles: unity, self-determination, responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
“We are each other's harvest; we are each other's business; we are each other's magnitude and bond." - Gwendolyn Brooks, Kwanzaa: A Progressive and Uplifting African American Holiday Affirmative prayer: Today, in the spirit of Kwanzaa, I honor the forebears, bridge-builders, and leaders of this beautiful culture. In Oneness, I lift up all my brothers and sisters and celebrate their divine providence. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  When remembering pioneering animators, many people think of Walt Disney. But it turns out, his work was inspired by Bessie Mae Kelley, one of the earliest known women to hand-draw animated films. She began her career in 1917. The men she worked alongside became titans of the artform, but Kelley’s name and work were overlooked until recently.
“Just as atoms are never lost in physical reactions, so no human experience is ever forgotten. Everything that happens in the Universe is woven into the harmony of a completed whole.” - Alfred North Whitehead, The Way of Gratitude: A New Spirituality for Today Affirmative prayer: I give thanks to know that my life is never forgotten. I walk with my soul companions in the awareness that we are known forever in Divine Mind, and that our lives have purpose and meaning. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  Millions of people across the country will feel the coldest air of the season this week as an arctic front from Canada drives across the land. Forecasters say that some folks in the Midwest could experience their coldest Christmas Day in nearly 40 years.
“When you know who you are; when your mission is clear, and you burn with an inner fire, no cold can touch your heart. You know that you are alive.” - Billy Mills, Oglala Lakota Indian, marine, Olympic gold medalist Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, I feel the warmth of family and friends during this Christmas week. I give thanks that we are companions to one another, and I reach out with prayers and comfort to those who feel alone. May we all know a sense of Divine union and feel the love of God in all ways. Amen.  “The rebirth of the sun at winter solstice signifies renewal for the earth as she embarks on another cycle of life. And, because we are children of the earth, we can take part in this sacred cycle, feeling the renewal of our own life.”
– Scott Awbrey Affirmative prayer: Today, this winter solstice, I feel the light and energy of the returning sun, of new beginnings. I give thanks for longer days, and am renewed with the energy of new light, new life, and love made visible. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  "Titanic" director James Cameron wants to end a debate that has gone on since the movie hit theaters 25 years ago. Could Rose have scooched over on that floating door to make room for Jack? Yes, fans have argued, but Cameron disagrees. "The script says Jack dies, so he has to die." DiCaprio and Winslet weighed in, saying, in turn, “no comment,” and “yes, there was definitely room for two.”
“There is no difficulty that enough love will not conquer. No gulf that enough love will not bridge. No door that enough love will not [support.] It makes no difference how hopeless the outlook, a sufficient realization of love will dissolve it all.” – Emmet Fox, Beyond Prayer Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, in this week of Yuletide gatherings, I remember that, where two or more are gathered, pure Love is in the midst. In the words of Ernest Homes, “There is room in my house for all.” Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  TC Energy announced that its Keystone pipeline leaked into Mill Creek in Washington County, Kansas. Nearly 600,000 gallons of oil spilled into the waterway and the surrounding land. The type of oil, tar sands oil, makes cleanup much more difficult. Environmental advocates say the cleanup will likely take years. There have been seven Keystone spills since it became operational in June 2010.
“Adults keep saying, 'We owe it to young people to give them hope.' But I don't want your hope. I don't want you to be hopeful. I want you to panic. I want you to feel the fear I feel every day, and then I want you to act as you would in a crisis. I want you to act as if our house is on fire, because it is.” - Greta Thunberg, environmental activist Affirmative prayer: I am a steward of my home planet and, in caring for the Earth, I am caring for my sisters and brothers. We are one with each other and with the Earth that mothers us. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  In the 1960s, Angela Alvarez sent her children to a U.S. orphanage to escape Cuba. She joined them two years later in Colorado, where she wrote some 50 original songs over the course of her lifetime. She sang them to her grandson eight years ago, who recorded them to a 15-track album. Now, Angela has won a Latin Grammy for Best New Artist, at the age of 95. She said she hopes her story teaches people to "never say, 'I can't do it.' You can do it. Always try." Watch her perform here.
“The indwelling human spirit is what makes us tackle what seems impossible – despite the odds, despite possible failure. It’s what give us the inner strength, courage, and determination to overcome personal problems, physical disability, discrimination. Never give up.” – Jane Goodall, The Book of Hope Affirmative prayer: Today, I am determined to fulfill that which is calling me, understanding that ‘failing’ is a step forward along the path of fulfillment. I lean into the love of God, the indwelling creative force that inspires my confidence, energy, and imagination. My faith is deepened, and my commitment to what is before me is steadfast. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  Morocco's Sofiane Boufal invited his mother onto the soccer field to dance with her in a celebration of his team’s shocking World Cup victory over Portugal. Boufal then hugged her tight before putting his arm round her and walking her back to the stands. It was the African nation’s first-ever quarterfinal victory in the World Cup.
“Laughter, song, and dance create emotional and spiritual connection. They remind us of the one thing that truly matters when we are searching for celebration, inspiration, or healing: We are not alone.” – Brene Brown, The Gifts of Imperfection Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, I celebrate every day the grandness of my life story. I rejoice in magical moments: the touch of a friend’s or stranger’s hand in mine; the look of spiritual recognition in the eyes of my companions; the beauty of my home land; the pure and simple joy of being alive. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  For the first time, U.S. scientists have successfully produced a nuclear fusion reaction, which is the fusing of two atoms into a larger one, generating a massive amount of energy as heat. It’s a huge step in eventually creating a new form of energy that could help end dependence on fossil fuels. Researchers say there are many more steps before the process is commercially viable. Read more about nuclear fusion.
“Einstein said that all matter, all life, is energy. Doesn’t it follow, then, that we can tap into this universal energy? That we are, indeed are one with it? We harmonize with the energy and love of the Universe by right of consciousness. Through prayer, meditation, and mindful living we align with this vital force, and we are supercharged to live as Spirit intends. That’s powerful; we are powerful.” - Scott Awbrey Affirmative prayer: Today, I consciously align with the love and power of pure Spirit. My mind is a conduit for universal life energy. My prayers, thoughts, and actions are in keeping with Divine will. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  At the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, researchers have found lines of holes on the ocean floor, and they have no idea what caused them. The small holes are regularly spaced four inches apart. Authorities are asking the public for ideas as to what they are. Suggestions are that they’re made by aliens, or that there is a creature buried beneath the sand using them as breathing holes. It’s a big mystery.
“Relinquish your attachment to the known and step into the unknown, into the field of all possibilities. You will experience the mystery, magic, and exultation of your own spirit.” – Deepak Chopra Prayer: “Most magnificent Mystery, first and last quiver of the Song, bathe me in your awesome Light. Unite me with the deepest currents of my existence. Let my heart be flavored by laughter and reveal to me the sacred path of Love-Mischief. Allow my shenanigans to be your delight. Amen.” – Evan Hodkins, The Alchemist’s Prayer  Japan's solid run in the World Cup may be over, but their team and supporters have left a lasting impression in Qatar. After their win over Germany, Japan’s players cleaned up their dressing room, leaving it looking immaculate. After watching their teams play in several matches, Japanese fans also spent time games cleaning up the stadium.
“If God invited you to a party and said, "Everyone in the ballroom tonight is my special guest." How would you treat all the other guests? - Hafiz Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, this day I shall treat my fellow Life adventurers with kindness, respect, and compassion. We’re all in this thing together. Thank God! Amen.  “Wordle” was the most Googled term this past year in the United States and globally, signifying that the five-letter word game has attracted millions of followers. “People love to play because they get to savor those precious moments of discovery, surprise, and accomplishment,” said Jonathan Knight of The New York Times.
“Words are the agents that channel the force of miraculous ideas into the world.” – Todd Michael, Twelve Conditions of a Miracle Affirmative prayer: Today, I speak a word of healing, love, and right action for myself, my family and friends, and for my fellow humans – spiritual beings all. I affirm that the unique living expression of each of us is underwritten by the Divine, and I give thanks that we are united in the heart of God. Amen.  Author Chelsea Banning tweeted her disappointment at only two people showing up for her book-signing for her debut novel, Of Crowns and Legends. “I was pretty bummed and embarrassed.” The tweet garnered responses from some of the world's biggest authors, including Margaret Atwood and Stephen King, who offered her moral support. Since her tweet, Chelsea has sold nearly 500 digital copies of her book.
“Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, I am about the business of answered prayers. I believe in the goodness and Divine potential of my fellow beings, and I encourage them to live a whole life and to advance confidently in the direction of their dreams. I bless them, lift them up, and maintain the high watch. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  “Carol of the Bells,” which was written by Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych, was recently performed at Carnegie Hall by the Ukrainian Shchedryk Choir. The piece was created in 1916 as a winter folk song and was first performed in the U.S. a hundred years ago. Ukraine brought it back to this country to shine the light on its culture and to support its efforts to defend itself from Russian attacks. Listen to it here.
“To make music in the heart is to find the lost. To heal the broken. To release the prisoner. To rebuild the nations. To bring peace.” - adapted from the writing of Howard Thurman Affirmative prayer: Today, I give thanks that the song of the Universe continues to harmonize my soul with the souls of my companions. I pray for those in conflict and affirm that love is finding its way into the hearts and actions of all those in the fray. God is everywhere present. And so it is. Amen.  “Find your rituals, develop your routines, create practices that center you. Stick to them, don't apologize for them. Treat them – even the small things – like they're big things.” – Rob Bell, How to Be Here: A Guide to Creating a Life Worth Living
Affirmative prayer: Today, I formulate the patterns of my life – my rituals and routines – so that my plans, intentions, and visions take Divine form. My second nature is inspired by spiritual practice, and I go about the business of living this day with peace, assurance, gratitude, and love. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  Tech companies are hoping to get rid of a timekeeping headache: the leap second. Every few years a second is added to Coordinated Universal Time to keep it in sync with the earth’s rotation. The problem is that it can wreak havoc on the precision of the world’s servers, affecting the operations of airlines, financial markets, and other institutions.
“Time isn’t precious at all because it is an illusion. What is precious is the one point that is out of time: the Now. The more you are focused on time - past and future - the more you miss the Now, the most precious thing there is.” - Eckhart Tolle, The Power of Now Affirmative prayer: I live in the eternal now, allowing the goodness of Life to bless me this instant. Today, for at least a few moments, I cease looking to the past for validation and to the future for hope. I am in sync with the Divine as I abide in this sacred moment. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  When Hawaii’s Mauna Loa erupted this week for the first time in decades, many native Hawaiians evoked the mythology of Pele, the Hawaiian Goddess of Fire who legendarily creates new land. They believe the eruption, which began on Hawaii’s Independence Day, carries a message that inhabitants are to respect indigenous communities and land. See the making of new land here.
“Look to your sense of place and sources of spirit, and you find your truth.” – Hawaiian proverb Affirmative prayer: Today, I honor the homeland of all indigenous people. I revere their selfhood, heritage, and sacred land. May their sense of truth carry them through the wonders and challenges of their lives. And may I be sustained and comforted by the homeland of my life. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  Scott Clyne’s planned proposal to his sweetheart, Suzie Tucker, didn’t go like he had envisioned. They were on their boat in Sarasota Bay when he brought Suzie to the bow to re-create the famous “Titanic” scene. But he dropped the engagement ring in the water, then plunged in after it. He somehow found it and climbed back aboard ship, sopping wet, and popped the question. Suzie couldn’t stop laughing, and said she couldn’t wait to marry the “smoothest guy in the world!” Watch it here.
“Life often does not proceed according to our plans, but this does not have to leave us crestfallen. It can make us excited that something divine may be afoot.” – David Richo, Five True Things Affirmative prayer: Today, I give thanks to know that my plans, dreams, and visions always carry the seed of possibility, and that by showing up and believing in all Good, I place myself in the realm of answered prayer. All things are possible. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  French scientist Etienne Klein posted an astonishing picture of a red ball of spicy fire that he declared was the Webb Space Telescope’s image of Proxima Centauri, the closest star to our Sun. “A new world is revealed every day," he gushed. Viewers marveled at the details of the photo, but Etienne later revealed that the image was actually a slice of chorizo sausage.
“There is a transcendent Something in us that rises triumphant over every disillusionment.” – Ernest Holmes, Science of Mind Magazine, August 1962 Affirmative prayer: Today, I raise my consciousness by removing the distraction of illusions. I am in sync with divine reality, grateful that life is composed of goodness, joy, and love. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  For more than two decades, the U.S. tech industry was booming and, when the pandemic hit, Facebook and other tech companies hired many thousands of staffers. But in recent weeks, they’ve laid off more than 120,000 workers. “At the start of Covid, the world moved online. We thought this would be permanent,” Mark Zukerberg said. “But we were wrong.” As the world reopened, many consumers have returned to their offline lives.
“We have so little faith in the ebb and flow of life. We leap at the flow of the tide and resist its ebb. We insist on permanency; when the only continuity possible in life is love.” – Leo Buscaglia, Loving Each Other Affirmative prayer: Today, I give thanks for the give and take of life, and for the great centering point of pure Spirit. In the midst of change, I am anchored in the love of God. I live and move in this sacred steadfastness. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  New York Scraps the Word 'Inmate'
The State of New York will no longer use the word "inmate" to describe a person in prison, arguing the term dehumanizes people. The State will refer to people in prison as “individuals who are incarcerated." Gov. Kathy Hochul said, "We can make our communities safer by treating justice-involved individuals and all New Yorkers with dignity and respect." Inspiration “To live spiritually is to simply know that all is; not to label or judge what is.” - Joel Goldsmith, The Infinite Way Putting the Whole Person First "A spiritual practice is to strive to see as God sees, like those who have adopted 'person-first' language, referring to a condition as something someone has, rather than who they are. “A person with diabetes,” rather than “a diabetic.” It is to honor the whole person, seeing them in Divine Light." - Scott Awbrey Thank you, God, for the dignity of each soul, for wholeness, for unity. Thank you, forever. Amen." |