by Admin | Jun 11, 2024 | Articles, Bible, Life Poems, Poems, Poetry, Religious Poems, Spiritual Poems
On Prayer by Kahlil Gibran
Kahlil Gibran
1883 – 1931
Then the priestess said, Speak to us of Prayer.
And he answered, saying:
You pray in your distress and in your need; would that you might pray also in the fullness of your joy and in your days of abundance.
For what is prayer but the expansion of yourself into the living ether?
And if it is for your comfort to pour your darkness into space, it is also for your delight to pour forth the dawning of your heart.
And if you cannot but weep when your soul summons you to prayer, she should spur you again and yet again, though weeping, until you shall come laughing.
When you pray you rise to meet in the air those who are praying at that very hour, and whom save in prayer you may not meet.
Therefore let your visit to that temple invisible be for naught but ecstasy and sweet communion.
For if you should enter the temple for no other purpose than asking you shall not receive:
And if you should enter into it to humble yourself you shall not be lifted:
Or even if you should enter into it to beg for the good of others you shall not be heard.
It is enough that you enter the temple invisible.
I cannot teach you how to pray in words.
God listens not to your words save when He Himself utters them through your lips.
And I cannot teach you the prayer of the seas and the forests and the mountains.
But you who are born of the mountains and the forests and the seas can find their prayer in your heart,
And if you but listen in the stillness of the night your shall hear them saying in silence,
“Our God, who are our winged self, it is thy will in us that willeth.
It is thy desire in us that desireth.
It is thy urge in us that would turn our nights, which are thine, into days which are thine also.
We cannot ask thee for aught, for thou knowest our needs before they are born in us:
Thou art our need; and in giving us more of thyself thou givest us all.”
by Admin | Jun 3, 2024 | Life Poems, Nature Poems, Poems, Poetry, Summer Poems
Now have come the shining days
When field and wood are robed anew,
And o'er the world a silver haze
Mingles the emerald with the blue.
Summer now doth clothe the land
In garments free from spot or stain—
The lustrous leaves, the hills untanned,
The vivid meads, the glaucous grain.
The day looks new, a coin unworn,
Freshly stamped in heavenly mint;
The sky keeps on its look of morn;
Of age and death there is no hint.
How soft the landscape near and far!
A shining veil the trees infold;
The day remembers moon and star;
A silver lining hath its gold.
Again I see the clover bloom,
And wade in grasses lush and sweet;
Again has vanished all my gloom
With daisies smiling at my feet.
Again from out the garden hives
The exodus of frenzied bees;
The humming cyclone onward drives,
Or finds repose amid the trees.
At dawn the river seems a shade—
A liquid shadow deep as space;
But when the sun the mist has laid,
A diamond shower smites its face.
The season's tide now nears its height,
And gives to earth an aspect new;
Now every shoal is hid from sight,
With current fresh as morning dew.
by Admin | May 29, 2024 | Book Reviews, Emerald Book Club
"The Science of Getting Rich" by Wallace D. Wattles is a classic self-help book that explores the principles of achieving wealth and success. The book was published in 1910 by the Elizabeth Towne Company.
Here are 10 key lessons from the book:
- The Power of Thought:
- Wattles emphasizes the idea that your thoughts have a direct influence on your circumstances. Cultivate positive and constructive thoughts to attract wealth.
- The Law of Attraction:
- Central to the book is the concept that like attracts like. By focusing on prosperity and abundance, you attract these into your life.
- The Creative Power of Thought:
- Wattles argues that thought is a form of energy that can be transmuted into its physical equivalent. Your thoughts can shape your reality.
- Gratitude and Positive Visualization:
- Expressing gratitude for what you have and visualizing your success can amplify the positive energy you emit.
- Taking Purposeful Action:
- The book stresses the importance of taking purposeful and positive action. It's not just about thinking; you must actively work toward your goals.
- Eliminate Competing Desires:
- Focus on a single, clear vision or goal. Conflicting desires can hinder progress.
- The Right to Be Rich:
- Wattles challenges the notion that spiritual or moral values conflict with the pursuit of wealth. He asserts that everyone has the right to be rich.
- The Creative Mind vs. the Competitive Mind:
- Wattles encourages cultivating a creative mind rather than a competitive one. Creativity opens up new opportunities and possibilities.
- Acting in the Certain Way:
- To attract wealth, one must act in a certain way. This involves being proactive, confident, and aligning actions with the goal of becoming rich.
- Abundance is Your Birthright:
- Wattles asserts that abundance is a natural birthright, and everyone has the potential to live a life of wealth and prosperity.
"The Science of Getting Rich" provides timeless principles that extend beyond mere financial gain, promoting a holistic approach to success and fulfillment. By understanding and applying these lessons, individuals can work towards achieving not only financial wealth but also personal and spiritual well-being.
by Admin | May 29, 2024 | Book Reviews, Emerald Book Club
"The Power of Discipline: How to Use Self-Control and Mental Toughness to Achieve Your Goals" is a self-help book by author and personal development expert Brian Tracy. The book focuses on the importance of discipline in achieving personal and professional success.
In the book, Tracy emphasizes that discipline is a key factor in realizing one's goals and ambitions. He provides practical strategies and techniques for developing self-control and mental toughness, which are essential attributes for overcoming obstacles, staying focused, and achieving long-term success.
Tracy explores various aspects of discipline, including time management, goal setting, and decision-making. He offers actionable advice on how to set clear, achievable goals, create effective daily routines, and maintain the motivation needed to persevere through challenges.
Throughout the book, Tracy illustrates his principles with real-life examples and success stories from individuals who have harnessed the power of discipline to transform their lives. He also discusses the role of positive thinking, visualization, and continuous learning in building discipline and achieving personal growth.
10 Lessons to Learn from the Power of Discipline
- Discipline is the Foundation of Success: The book emphasizes that discipline is the cornerstone of achieving any goal. Without self-control and mental toughness, it's challenging to make progress.
- Set Clear Goals: Tracy stresses the importance of setting clear and specific goals. Well-defined objectives give you a direction and purpose to work towards.
- Develop Strong Habits: The book advocates for the creation of positive daily routines and habits that support your goals. Consistency in your actions is key to long-term success.
- Time Management: Effective time management is essential for productivity. Learning to prioritize tasks and eliminate time-wasting activities is a crucial discipline skill.
- Overcome Procrastination: Tracy provides strategies for overcoming procrastination, a common obstacle to success. Procrastination can be conquered through self-discipline and focus.
- Take Responsibility: The book emphasizes taking full responsibility for your life and your outcomes. This mindset shift empowers you to make positive changes.
- Stay Persistent: Discipline enables you to stay persistent in the face of setbacks and obstacles. The ability to keep going when things get tough is a hallmark of success.
- Visualize Your Success: Visualization techniques are discussed as a way to reinforce your commitment to your goals. Seeing yourself succeeding can boost motivation.
- Continuous Learning: Tracy advocates for a commitment to lifelong learning. Keeping your knowledge and skills up to date is vital for staying competitive.
- Positive Mindset: Maintaining a positive attitude is essential. Believing in your ability to achieve your goals and maintaining optimism can fuel your discipline and drive.
In summary, "The Power of Discipline" serves as a comprehensive guide for readers seeking to enhance their self-control, mental resilience, and overall discipline to reach their goals and lead more fulfilling lives. It provides valuable insights and practical strategies for personal development and success.
Overall, "The Power of Discipline" teaches that discipline is a skill that can be developed and refined over time. By implementing these lessons, readers can enhance their self-control and mental toughness, making them better equipped to achieve their goals and lead more fulfilling lives.
by Admin | May 29, 2024 | Emerald Book Club, Stories
Once upon a time, in a small village, there lived a kind-hearted woman named Elara. She was known for her gentle spirit and unwavering compassion. One day, Elara experienced a great betrayal by someone she considered a dear friend. The pain she felt was deep, but her heart remained tender.
As she sat by the village fountain, reflecting on the hurt, an elderly woman named Maren approached her. Sensing Elara's distress, Maren asked, "What troubles you, my dear?"
Elara shared her story, and Maren listened intently. When she finished, Maren smiled softly and said, "Elara, never wish them pain. That’s not who you are. Remember, if they caused you pain, they must have pain inside. Wish them healing, for that is what they truly need."
Elara pondered Maren's words and decided to follow her advice. She sent thoughts of healing and kindness to her friend, hoping they would find the peace they lacked.
In time, Elara's heart began to heal, and she noticed a change in her friend as well. They eventually reconciled, and their bond grew even stronger, built on understanding and compassion.
Elara realized that by choosing to wish healing instead of pain, she had not only mended her own heart but had also planted the seeds of kindness that blossomed in the lives of those around her. And so, her village became a place where forgiveness and empathy flourished, all because of one woman's decision to choose healing over hurt.
