June 25 - Daily Feast (Last One for the next 10 days)

Hello everyone, yes, this is the last Daily Feast for at least the next 10 days. I am going on a little vacation to visit my people in Virginia. I hope to be back in about 10 days! June 25 - Daily Feast Every morning, liquid gold slips under the trees and pours down the slopes to puddle against the purple locusts. Shafts of sunlight caught in crystal dew light each blade of grass and splash color against the trunk of every tree. The Sioux told their white invaders that they were digging in their Black Hills for gold to get rich - but the Sioux were rich by simply watching the Black Hills. And so it is with the morning sun. It brings a wealth that no material thing could give. Joy is gold and peace of mind cannot be evaluated. These things draw long-term interest. ~ I am grateful the Creator made me an Indian, because it is natural for a Cherokee to pray and believe in the supernatural. ~ CHARLES SEQUICHIE - GRANDFATHER "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - June 25 "We are called hollow bones for our people and for anyone else we can help, and we are not supposed to seek power for our personal use and honor." --Fools Crow, LAKOTA In order for us to use our power well, we must become a hollow bone. We must prepare ourselves to become a channel. Our channel must be clean before we can use our power well. We must be free of resentments, guilt, shame, anger, self pity and fear. If these things are in us, we cannot be hollow bones. These things block us from our power. The cleaner we are, the more power we move. We must become a hollow bone so the Creator can use us to do what he wants us to do. My Creator, remove from me today all resentment, anger, fear, guilt and selfishness. Do not let my weaknesses stand in the way of my usefulness to You. Make me a hollow bone so Your power can flow through me. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* "THINK on THESE THINGS" By Joyce Sequichie Hifler "There is no royal road to anything - One thing at a time, and all things in succession. That which grows slowly endures." - J.G. Holland The first lessons we have to learn is that instant success in anything is a fantasy. The overnight success stories we hear about are really products of much preparation. If we could view a life laid out before us, we could see it is much like a hand sewn quilt, built of many tiny pieces, colors of every hue, fabrics of every kind, and patiently joined together by tiny stitches to give many years of service. Maybe we missed a stitch someplace and it caused a weak place, but the strength of many other stitches will carry it through. Finally a complete quilt has been created and it is strong and lasting. When we truly want to move ahead we build our lives a quilt block at a time, patiently adding to another part of life until we have the strength and courage to endure. Take one step at a time, but take it positively forward! The patience will be rewarded. To have a dream come true we must first have a dream. Don't look back. The past is gone, but the future is still in our hands. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Available online! 'Cherokee Feast of Days' By Joyce Sequichie Hifler. Visit her web site to purchase the wonderful books by Joyce as gifts for yourself or for loved ones......and also for those who don't have access to the Internet: http://www.hifler.com Click Here to Buy her books at Amazon.com Elder's Meditation of the Day By White Bison, Inc., an American Indian-owned nonprofit organization. Order their many products from their web site: http://www.whitebison.org   *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*

June 24 - Daily Feast

June 24 - Daily Feast Tears are not always shed because of unhappiness. Emotions are stirred by the tears of other people and by music and gratitude and love. Hurt and humiliation and despair are washed away by tears - because that is the healthy nature of things. We have been told there should be an end to our grieving, an end to the pain that brings tears, but time eases those things and cleanses at the same time. Long-term grieving is not natural and should not be the authority of what we think. But Spirit knows what we need - if we will ask. ~ My brother, you can go into the agency if you wish; but I intend to work my way up to the Powder River country. I think it will be better for us all if the people are not divided. ~ LITTLE WOLF - CHEYENNE "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - June 24 "Believing people can soar beyond ordinary life." --Fools Crow, LAKOTA We are created by God to be vision people. First we set the goal and then we see. If we create within ourselves a picture or vision and we hold that picture or vision in our mind, whatever we picture will show up in our reality. If we can see ourselves being educated, then schools and teachers will show up in our lives. If we picture in our mind a positive, spiritual person to be in our lives, we will attract this type of person in our relationships. How big can our dreams be? Great Spirit, let my visions today be Your vision. Put within me a vision of the being you would have me be. Then help me to keep the vision in my mind. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* "THINK on THESE THINGS" By Joyce Sequichie Hifler Life equips us in many ways for very special purposes. Some never catch the high vision as to why they may be the objects of ridicule or the witness of cruelty - while others bear the brunt of many heartaches and still are capable of knowing compassion for those who cause it. Jesus was such a man - He withstood more than we are able to comprehend, but He asked that His tormentors be forgiven for they knew not what they were doing. It is our individual decision whether we choose to be one of the throng of agitators who see only to confirm what everyone else is doing, or we can catch the vision of greater things and walk firmly in paths we believe are right. To fall into the role of just another face in the crowd is an ill-chosen path, but to lead others to follow is the essence of parasitism - the need to have others be just as nameless and even more dependent. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Available online! 'Cherokee Feast of Days' By Joyce Sequichie Hifler. Visit her web site to purchase the wonderful books by Joyce as gifts for yourself or for loved ones......and also for those who don't have access to the Internet: http://www.hifler.com Click Here to Buy her books at Amazon.com Elder's Meditation of the Day By White Bison, Inc., an American Indian-owned nonprofit organization. Order their many products from their web site: http://www.whitebison.org   *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* If you would like to be added to The Daily Feast email list, CLICK HERE!

June 23 - Daily Feast

June 23 - Daily Feast Our vitality does not go first - our interest goes. Dreams, one by one, that we let skip through our fingers, cannot be sustained and they drift. When that happens, what else is there? Like rare pieces of old delicate lace, we fold away our dreams in tissue and forget them. Without realizing it, we have put away our vitality as well. Vitality - life, strength, creativity. Priceless interest must be restored if we are to be strong and healthy and able to contribute to our own benefit as well as others. ~ All living creatures and all plants are a benefit to something. ~ OKUTE - TETON SIOUX, 1911 "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - June 23 "He [Wakan Tanka] walks with us along the pathways of Life, and He can do for us what we could never do on our own." --Fools Crow, LAKOTA With the Creator in our lives, we are everything. Without the Creator, we are nothing. When the Creator is in our life, suddenly the impossible becomes possible. The extraordinary becomes ordinary. Things we thought could never happen start to happen. Talents we never know we had, start to blossom. Resources appear. Help arrives to give us guidance and direction. We become happy. We have peace of mind and confidence. Oh Great Spirit, today I want You in my life. The days that I know You are with me are the days that are perfect. Let me be joyful today. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* "THINK on THESE THINGS" By Joyce Sequichie Hifler Sensibility is said to be neither good nor evil in itself, but in its application. Sometimes we just "out-sensible" ourselves. In the course of years we come to see the pattern of the truly sensible. What have we at this moment that really means anything? Does it give us happiness? Did it once seem most impractical? Was it worth fighting for? The intellectual strives for knowledge and in his absorption leaves the world but hardly leaves a vacancy. The materialistic must have everything at the price of peace, and their possessions decay but never their chaotic souls. And the insecure forfeit the most minute comforts to save for that rainy day. Happiness would have been greater and far more lasting if the fund had been smaller and used as an opportunity fund. The fine line of sensibility can be most elusive, but it seems to be more clearly seen when we relax and quit shoving to get there. If the place we desire is meant for us, it will come when we learn the way isn't always sharp and direct and by demand. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Available online! 'Cherokee Feast of Days' By Joyce Sequichie Hifler. Visit her web site to purchase the wonderful books by Joyce as gifts for yourself or for loved ones......and also for those who don't have access to the Internet: http://www.hifler.com Click Here to Buy her books at Amazon.com Elder's Meditation of the Day By White Bison, Inc., an American Indian-owned nonprofit organization. Order their many products from their web site: http://www.whitebison.org   *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* If you would like to be added to The Daily Feast email list, CLICK HERE!

June 22 - Daily Feast

June 22 - Daily Feast Like the tsi s qua, the baby bird, we are sometimes help inside a firm shell with the job of pecking our way to freedom. Weak as gelatin and with no one to help, we begin freeing ourselves. One or two tries shows very little progress - except maybe we are a little stronger. And then with more pecking, we begin to gain strength and determination. Is this not what we are supposed to do? Can we get strong with no effort? One of two more pecks and the shell cracks a little -but oh, it seems great. No one lifts us out and we are wobbly - but the mere act of standing up gives us something to sing about. ~ Do not ask us to give up the buffalo for sheep. ~ TEN BEARS - COMANCHE, 1867 "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - June 22 "The one who wishes to be a true medicine person must be a person of faith, and they can only work successfully with those who also have faith." --Fools Crow, LAKOTA Medicine People are spiritual beings who have made a decision to seek the Red Road. They sacrifice and seek the way of the Creator. After many years of dedication, the Grandfathers teach them about power and about laws and about how to use the medicine. The Medicine People develop tremendous faith in their medicine and in the Creator. When we go to the Medicine People, we too must have faith so they can help us. We can only be helped if we want to be helped. Because the Medicine People know how to help - that is only one half of it. The other half is up to us. We must have faith that the medicine has powers to help. My Creator, faith is belief without evidence. Today, give me the faith. Let me trust that You are running why life. Let me know You are in charge of all things. Let my mind not wonder; let me stand strong on Your path today. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* "THINK on THESE THINGS" By Joyce Sequichie Hifler It is written that where there's a will there's a way. If a desire is sincere and the results are for the good of everyone, the first giant steps have already been taken. American clergyman Joel Hawes has been quoted, "You may be whatever you resolve to be. Determine to be something in the world, and you will be something - 'I cannot' never accomplishes anything; 'I will try' has wrought wonders. A positive attitude can be one of the greatest joys to experience. To begin a day by willing everything good, and meeting any obstacle with the idea that it has no power, can make some of the most sudden and drastic changes in anyone's life. To be something or someone is one of the strongest desires, but it does mean sacrifices of doubt and apprehension and feeling sorry for oneself. It means standing straighter when it is more comfortable to crawl. It means laughing instead of lamenting. It means thinking positively and speaking good words. It is said that a great deal of talent is lost in this world for the want of a little courage. We often think of courage as the kind that wins wars and braves new fronts. But there is another plain, ordinary kind of courage that helps us face our everyday problems. There is a surprising lack of this kind of courage, and it leads us to seek ways to dodge our responsibilities. It takes a tremendous amount of courage to face everything and everyone and take a firm stand for what we believe. It takes courage to admit we have weaknesses and needs that we must overcome. It is a daily fight to follow the right road when the wrong one looks so smooth. And it takes courage to believe, when obstacles face us. God has given courage to each of us, for strength to overcome is available to all who are courageous in asking for help to be courageous. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Available online! 'Cherokee Feast of Days' By Joyce Sequichie Hifler. Visit her web site to purchase the wonderful books by Joyce as gifts for yourself or for loved ones......and also for those who don't have access to the Internet: http://www.hifler.com Click Here to Buy her books at Amazon.com Elder's Meditation of the Day By White Bison, Inc., an American Indian-owned nonprofit organization. Order their many products from their web site: http://www.whitebison.org   *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* If you would like to be added to The Daily Feast email list, CLICK HERE!

June 21 - Daily Feast

June 21 - Daily Feast Memories bind us - even when they are good. To step past certain memories brings up that emotion that says we are disloyal. It is not true, but we hear and take it to heart and go on hurting. Time is supposed to take care of many things - but sometimes it doesn't. If it is something deep-seated and was traumatic from the very beginning, it is apt to ride us as long as it can. At times like these we have to make the decision to remove a memory by replacing it. Not by force - but by gentle but deliberate effort. ~ We, as the original inhabitants....and sovereigns of the sold....look upon ourselves as free as any other nation. ~ JOSEPH BRANT - MOHAWK, April 21, 1794 "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - June 21 "The God that people reject is not the true God, it is a God they have conjured up apart from proper education, and understanding. In such cases, the least Fools Crow will do is to call their assumptions into question, and force them to reevaluate their position." --Thomas Mails on Fools Crow, LAKOTA Inside of every person - man, woman, and child - is the knowledge that there is a Supreme Being. Many of us have been taught that the Creator is a punishing God. We have been taught about feelings of guilt and shame when we do things wrong. We have been taught that God gets angry and disappointed with us. The Elders teach us that the Creator is a loving and forgiving God. He loves us during our good days and He loves us during our bad days. He doesn't know how to do anything but love. If I really want to find out about the true God, I only need to ask in prayer. There is one thing that God cannot do and that is refuse help to one of His children who asks. My Creator, I ask You to be a part of my life today. Whisper to me Your wisdom. Let me feel Your presence. If I am doubtful and afraid, show me, in terms I can understand, You are real. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* "THINK on THESE THINGS" By Joyce Sequichie Hifler There are many fears in the minds of man, but none so subtle, yet so effectual, was fear of failure. We are so afraid we've been unwise and wasted valuable time and it makes us wonder how many times we've failed those who depended upon us, and how many times we've failed ourselves. Time seems too short to make up and overcome the things long past. It seems sometimes that opportunities are there and gone before we've had time to make use of them. We condemn ourselves so much for the lack of knowledge when we most needed it. But if decisions were made on afterthought, they might not be as wise as those made quickly, without time to think. We should no longer think about past failures, nor give undue thought to our chances for future ones, but only begin now to do the very best we can. True failure comes only to those who stop trying, for no age, no time, no place can stop the person who decides to try one more time. As Frederick William Farrar, English author, has written, "There is only one real failure in life that is possible, and that is, not to be true to the best one knows." *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Available online! 'Cherokee Feast of Days' By Joyce Sequichie Hifler. Visit her web site to purchase the wonderful books by Joyce as gifts for yourself or for loved ones......and also for those who don't have access to the Internet: http://www.hifler.com Click Here to Buy her books at Amazon.com Elder's Meditation of the Day By White Bison, Inc., an American Indian-owned nonprofit organization. Order their many products from their web site: http://www.whitebison.org   *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* If you would like to be added to The Daily Feast email list, CLICK HERE!

June 20 - Daily Feast

June 20 - Daily Feast Most of us avoid major change. Our nature is to catch hands with something we are comfortable with and to walk a long way with it. Change can take place so naturally that is does nothing to upset the harmony, because we change with it. But everyone has known change that shook their foundation and left them afraid and unhappy. This is the place where profound personal change can move mountains. The unproductive feelings and fears drop away and a new challenge enters to boost and enliven the one that knows he can do it. ~ The Red Man must leave the land of his youth and find a new home in the far west. ~ SHABBONA - POTAWATOMI, Circa 1800 *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - June 20 "But in the Indian Spirit the land is still vested; it will be until other men are able to divine and meet its rhythm. Men must be born and reborn to belong. Their bodies must be formed of the dust of their forefathers' bones." --Luther Standing Bear, OGLALA SIOUX It is said when we walk on the Earth, we are walking on our ancestors and our unborn children. This is the relationship Native People have with the Earth. It is this relationship which gives insight into the Earth's rhythm and heartbeat and creates the feeling of belonging. If you feel you belong to something, you'll treat it with respect. If you feel you are above something, you'll treat it with disrespect. Indian Spirituality is tied to the Earth. We belong to the Earth along with all other creatures on the Earth. We must align to this realization. Great Spirit, today, teach me to respect the Earth Mother. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* "THINK on THESE THINGS" By Joyce Sequichie Hifler What is the texture of life? Texture is that finely woven fabric of life that demands we have a congenial environment. It asks that we be industrious toward success, and that we should have a way of life, a purpose. We should hear the music of life and taste the bitter and the sweet. Texture requires us to research every experience and learn the lesson in it. It orders us to communicate with life and make discoveries about ourselves and progress towards a texture where the coarse has been refined. Frequently we should examine the texture of life to identify the quality. How wide is my world? How high is my sky? All of us should know our own makeup, our capabilities, our gifts with which we have been divinely endowed. And we should think long on these words from Edna St. Vincent Millay's Renascence: "The world stands out on either side no wider than the heart is wide. Above the world is stretched the sky, no higher than the soul is high." *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Available online! 'Cherokee Feast of Days' By Joyce Sequichie Hifler. Visit her web site to purchase the wonderful books by Joyce as gifts for yourself or for loved ones......and also for those who don't have access to the Internet: http://www.hifler.com Click Here to Buy her books at Amazon.com Elder's Meditation of the Day By White Bison, Inc., an American Indian-owned nonprofit organization. Order their many products from their web site: http://www.whitebison.org   *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* If you would like to be added to The Daily Feast email list, CLICK HERE!

June 19 - Daily Feast

June 19 - Daily Feast To touch the earth is a lovely thing. The warmth of once again finding our beginnings, whether to walk or plow or plant. This place was created for us to have a place to stand and feel the pulse of the earth spread quietly through us. Bitterness and fear are short-lived where we blend with the simplicity of natural things and know that we are supposed to take dominion - but never without knowing the mere privilege of walking down a country lane bright with sunflowers and field sparrows in song. ~ For all these favors we thank the Great Spirit and him only. ~ "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - June 19 "Respect should be given those indigenous nations who still carry on their ceremonies; still following the ancient laws of nature with songs and ceremonies." --Oren R. Lyons, Spokesman, Traditional Circle of Elders Many of our Tribes still have the ceremonies, songs and traditions. Today, the ceremonies and songs are coming back even stronger. The Elders have a lot of this knowledge. The young people need to learn these songs and traditions from the Elders. This is the strength of the people. The ancient Wisdom and Knowledge of ancient Laws are hidden in the ceremonies and songs. We should seek out these songs and ceremonies. Great Spirit, teach me the songs and ceremonies. Make my eyes open to see. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* "THINK on THESE THINGS" By Joyce Sequichie Hifler This is a day that God has made, rejoice and be glad in it. What we do with each day is largely decided by the thought we give it in the beginning and how we start a new day plays an immense part in the success or failure of either carefully laid plans, or helter-skelter activity. We should open this day with as much reverence as if it were gift wrapped and presented to us personally, which it is. What wonderful thing can I do this day that no one else can do? Shall I spend these precious moments complaining? Shall I sit glum at my work to make others feel morbid? Should I continually acknowledge how little I have and how badly I feel? Or should I speak kindly, think kindly, feel kindly, and be so grateful that I have another opportunity today to do something for others that will bring them joy and lift their spirits? This day is in your hands. You will reap from it what you plant. If you would be loved, then be lovable; if you want peace, be peaceable; and if you would ask freedom, grant freedom. And learn to forgive without reservation. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Available online! 'Cherokee Feast of Days' By Joyce Sequichie Hifler. Visit her web site to purchase the wonderful books by Joyce as gifts for yourself or for loved ones......and also for those who don't have access to the Internet: http://www.hifler.com Click Here to Buy her books at Amazon.com Elder's Meditation of the Day By White Bison, Inc., an American Indian-owned nonprofit organization. Order their many products from their web site: http://www.whitebison.org   *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* If you would like to be added to The Daily Feast email list, CLICK HERE!

June 18 - Daily Feast

June 18 - Daily Feast Survival is a decision. It seems not to be true when we are face to face with something or someone that is bent on destruction. But say to yourself many times a day, "No weapon formed against me shall prosper." It is a declaration of freedom and absolute intent. When you are standing on the edge of a very steep mountain, get your balance. Walk firmly away from any situation that would push you over. You'll never know what a tremendous part your decisions plays until you feel its power lifting you out of danger. ~ I am no child; I can think for myself. No man can think for me. ~ CHIEF JOSEPH - NEZ PERCE "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - June 18 "I am particularly found of the little groves of oak trees. I love to look at them, because they endure the wintry storm and the summer's heat, and, not unlike ourselves, seem to flourish by them." --Sitting Bull, SIOUX Every season, Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter, has gifts that it gives to all creatures. The animals will develop thicker furs just before Winter and will shed this fur in the Spring. Squirrels will store their food in the Fall; other animals build up fat so they can hibernate during the Winter. We can watch all forms of nature and see all creatures work in harmony with the seasons. The secret for us is to learn by observing nature. Watch the trees. Learn from them. We human beings need to learn the gifts and blessings of the seasons. Grandfather, Grandmother, teach me to live in harmony with the seasons. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* "THINK on THESE THINGS" By Joyce Sequichie Hifler What is it that keeps us from doing the creative things we want to do? Fear of venturing and losing, fear of the unknown. And yet, every day of our lives we venture and seldom acknowledge the fact that we didn't lose. We too often accomplish something because circumstances forced a courage we could not muster from mere desire. Frequently we must simply have the audacity to lay aside the taboos we have built for ourselves, for fear of appearing foolish, and follow a creative curiosity. When Robert Louis Stevenson wrote, "Give me a young man with brains enough to make a fool of himself," he didn't mean intentionally acting foolishly. He meant that a fearlessness of appearing foolish can enable us to step outside the realms of what others would call the limits. The simplest ventures often bring joy to many, particularly to those who in the beginning dared to stand on their own chances of winning or losing. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Available online! 'Cherokee Feast of Days' By Joyce Sequichie Hifler. Visit her web site to purchase the wonderful books by Joyce as gifts for yourself or for loved ones......and also for those who don't have access to the Internet: http://www.hifler.com Click Here to Buy her books at Amazon.com Elder's Meditation of the Day By White Bison, Inc., an American Indian-owned nonprofit organization. Order their many products from their web site: http://www.whitebison.org   *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* If you would like to be added to The Daily Feast email list, CLICK HERE!

June 17 - Daily Feast

June 17 - Daily Feast Pressure destroys some people and helps others rally to do their best. One seeks peace and order and another heads toward noise and chaos. A little of both keeps us on our toes, but it means we have to have good judgment. Peace is necessary - even under pressure. Like the rhythm of the sea, we rise to high tide and relax back to calm. No different from inhaling and exhaling, we are created to keep the balance. ~ I am much indebted to the Father of us all - Him who made us and placed us on this earth. ~ PETALESHARO - PAWNEE PRINCIPAL CHIEF "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - June 17 "Your power comes from the songs." --Ethel Wilson, COWICHAN If you do not know any of the songs, ask an Elder to teach you. Get yourself a drum. When you sing a song and play the drum, you'll be surprised how your mind, body, and spirit will react. Everything becomes calm and joyful. Our bodies love the songs. The songs allow us to touch the hand of the Creator. When we sing and touch the Great Spirit's hand, He gives us power. Songs are another way to pray. My Grandfather, teach me a song today. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* "THINK on THESE THINGS" By Joyce Sequichie Hifler Leave yourself a choice. It is a sorry state of affairs when a person's life becomes so regimented that it is impossible to make even one change in plans. There is a story about a gentleman who kept a record in minute detail of his living and every cent he earned so that he could make a trip abroad. The record keeping became such an obsession that when he could make the trip he took along crackers to keep from eating in the dining room aboard ship. The journey was nearly over before he discovered the price of his meals was included in the fare. How much do we miss by refusing to accept the bounty of choices? "If only" and "I wish" are so over used. We bind ourselves daily by refusing to recognize the volume of opportunities open to each of us. All of life is not free, but there is much available for our personal selection. Dr. William S. Sadler wrote of a woman who was so orderly and systematic in her living that she inquired of her minister how to go about dying since she had never done it before. Living in a systematic world is possible, but there are limits to what we can prepare for and about which to be orderly. Daily we meet and settle many small emergencies, and some not so small. And it is our developed ability to meet these things successfully and on the spur of the moment that makes a well-rounded individual. But the steady, uniform methods of doing things do not necessarily mean a person is ready to meet every situation in life. In fact, such living often makes change practically impossible when change is sorely needed. Order is heaven's first law. But order means first things first. A place for everything and everything in its place. Then, if we've learned how to live, we never have to worry about the art of dying gracefully. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Available online! 'Cherokee Feast of Days' By Joyce Sequichie Hifler. Visit her web site to purchase the wonderful books by Joyce as gifts for yourself or for loved ones......and also for those who don't have access to the Internet: http://www.hifler.com Click Here to Buy her books at Amazon.com Elder's Meditation of the Day By White Bison, Inc., an American Indian-owned nonprofit organization. Order their many products from their web site: http://www.whitebison.org   *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* If you would like to be added to The Daily Feast email list, CLICK HERE!

June 16 - Daily Feast

June 16 - Daily Feast Strangers are often treated with more respect than our own families. And it is true that our brief meetings give us less reason to feel irritated than when, as the Cherokee expresses it, ga ne lv, we live very close to someone. But those we love are still most important and must be tolerant of us - and often more so than we are of them. Patience and endurance are of the spirit - and tension and irritation of the mind. We cannot throw aside our wits and respond to total strangers with more concern than we do our loved ones. ~ Let your good judgment rule and ponder seriously before breaking bonds that have served you well. ~ PUSHMATAHA - CHOCTAW *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - June 16 "For me, the essence of a medicine man's life is to be humble, to have great patience, to be close to the Earth, to live as simply as possible, and to never stop learning." --Archie Fir Lame Deer, LAKOTA The Medicine people focus on their Being, not their doing. After all, we are human beings not human doings. The Medicine people are very patient and consciously trying to live a live of humility. Medicine people are servant leaders. Their main purpose is to serve the needs of others. By this service attitude, they become the leaders people listen to and the leaders the people want to follow. The Medicine people say everyone is their teacher. Maybe we should try to live this way ourselves; humble, patient, honoring the Earth and listening to our teachers. Grandfather, today, let me know all people are my teachers and I am the student. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* "THINK on THESE THINGS" By Joyce Sequichie Hifler James Russell Lowell once wrote, "No man is born into the world whose work is not born with him." Each of us has been given a talent. It may not be some great shinning thing that will attract attention and bring fame. But living has become so intricate, so great in detail, so fine in its workings, that it requires that skill of all men. Every time we touch something, hear, see, and feel, we are using the results of other people's talents. Too many take their own abilities for granted and see a task as just another job. But that isn't true, because no matter how small your part may seem, it takes its place in the world of living as important and necessary as the greatest talent. The secret of a successful talent is in its use. The most minute gift was put there for a purpose and we should never belittle it but gratefully devote our attention to developing its perfection. There are a number of self-improvement books on the market today. Among them are excellent etiquette books teaching us the correct way of doing things and how to live more graciously with our fellow man. But one can be quite learned and lose the benefit of keeping the social graces with oneself. You owe it to yourself to quit belittling your abilities in thought or word. Self-respect is a necessity in order to keep on good terms with oneself. You owe yourself spiritual growth - the ability to enter a church reverently and to sit quietly in your own preparatory service before the formal service begins. It is your duty to fill your mind with the better thoughts, the sweetening of the nature and a measure of tolerance - for you will make mistakes, but there should also be the power to forgive oneself; to go on from there. To be on good terms with oneself is to worry less about violating the rules of good behavior with all others. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Available online! 'Cherokee Feast of Days' By Joyce Sequichie Hifler. Visit her web site to purchase the wonderful books by Joyce as gifts for yourself or for loved ones......and also for those who don't have access to the Internet: http://www.hifler.com Click Here to Buy her books at Amazon.com Elder's Meditation of the Day By White Bison, Inc., an American Indian-owned nonprofit organization. Order their many products from their web site: http://www.whitebison.org   *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* If you would like to be added to The Daily Feast email list, CLICK HERE!

June 15 - Daily Feast

June 15 - Daily Feast Don't condemn yourself. Even if you have made a mistake - or a dozen mistakes, who has not? We are too quick to perfuse stupidity. We are too quick to condemn our lack of will to eat the right foods, speak the right words, think the right thoughts. It is true that we have to control these things, but why try to do it over burdens we put on ourselves. Begin to turn it around - praise each ability to do the right thing. Bring self-respect into play and call yourself free. ~ Think not that you can remain passive and indifferent to the common danger, and thus escape the common fate. ~ TECUMSEH - SHAWNEE *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - June 15 "Today, what is important for us is to realize that the old sacred ways are correct, and that if we do not follow them we will be lost and without a guide." --Thomas Yellowtail, CROW A long time ago the Creator gave to the people all the knowledge on how we should live and conduct ourselves. The Native people have been influenced be outside "tribes" who don't know about the Sacred Way. Our Elders still know about the old sacred ways. We need to consult and talk to them before it's too late. Every family needs to seriously evaluate whether they are living according to the old knowledge. If we are faultfinding, putting one another down, being selfish, being violent to our spouses or children, if we are cheating and being dishonest, then we are not living the old Sacred Way. The old way is about respect, love, forgiveness and sharing. Great Spirt, today, teach me the old Sacred Way you taught my ancestors. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* "THINK on THESE THINGS" By Joyce Sequichie Hifler Good ideas are the flower of the mind, waiting to bloom for the benefit of the thinker. We are constantly in the process of manufacturing ideas. Every waking moment we are thinking continually, making mental images of that which we desire or need. Everything we see was first an idea in someone's mind. Ideas are fleeting messages that pass rapidly through the mind. Some of the are strong enough to impress the thinker. Many are not worth saving, but a few are very precious. They have to be sifted, sorted and analyzed for value. Then they must be acted on immediately, for they are very perishable. Once we lose an idea, it is seldom if ever recaptured. Everyone has access to a better and happier life through ideas, if we can trust the Lord to give us the will and courage to follow through on them. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Available online! 'Cherokee Feast of Days' By Joyce Sequichie Hifler. Visit her web site to purchase the wonderful books by Joyce as gifts for yourself or for loved ones......and also for those who don't have access to the Internet: http://www.hifler.com Click Here to Buy her books at Amazon.com Elder's Meditation of the Day By White Bison, Inc., an American Indian-owned nonprofit organization. Order their many products from their web site: http://www.whitebison.org   *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* If you would like to be added to The Daily Feast email list, CLICK HERE!

June 14 - Daily Feast

June 14 - Daily Feast Like a pebble thrown into water, our thoughts ripple out, and when they have reached the far shore they ripple back bringing a little of whatever we sent out. Caution is needed in sending out messages. Right responses depend on it, and if nothing is said at all we tend to fill in what we think they are saying. Nothing to prove it - and nothing to calm our fears. Never leave a void; never leave someone in the dark about how you think. But do it gently - because what we send out ripples back to us. ~ Permit me to speak for a moment....weighing this question beside you. ~ PUSHMATAHA - CHOCTAW *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - June 14 "The basis of knowledge is the fire, rock, water, and green. But when that power was given to man, he used it to twist his own mind. Tunkashila gave man just one drop of that wisdom." --Wallace Black Elk, LAKOTA All of Nature has the wisdom to follow the Natural Laws. All of Nature knows how to live in harmony and use this wisdom in a good way, with exception of the human being. Often we misuse this wisdom. Wisdom always remains with those who use it in the proper way. Nature has used this wisdom well, so now we need to go to Her so we humans can relearn and change our lives. May we start doing this today, before it is too late. Creator, let me be open to the lessons that Nature can teach me. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* "THINK on THESE THINGS" By Joyce Sequichie Hifler We have often heard it said that God never closes one door unless He opens another. It is a great comfort to know we never really lose when we believe, for any defeat can be turned to good if we will absorb the lesson in it. And yet, how often we refuse to go through that door that has been opened for us. It is so much easier to stand back and wail about the closed on. There seems to be a certain amount of glorification in defeat. It is a subtle something that hides in us and keeps us from doing well that which we know we are capable of doing. If we show strength, we are afraid we will have to stand alone. Sometimes a door will close for us because that particular one would have caused us more unhappiness, but it never closes for punishment. God is love and love does not punish, nor does it have any power but to give what is right and good for us. With this knowledge, we can by grace walk through those doors that open to us and know it is right. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Available online! 'Cherokee Feast of Days' By Joyce Sequichie Hifler. Visit her web site to purchase the wonderful books by Joyce as gifts for yourself or for loved ones......and also for those who don't have access to the Internet: http://www.hifler.com Click Here to Buy her books at Amazon.com Elder's Meditation of the Day By White Bison, Inc., an American Indian-owned nonprofit organization. Order their many products from their web site: http://www.whitebison.org   *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* If you would like to be added to The Daily Feast email list, CLICK HERE!

June 13 - Daily Feast

June 13 - Daily Feast The need to touch and experience everything seems to tell us it is real. But what we see and touch is only the tip of the iceberg. There is more on the invisible than we have ever imagined - and a great deal more than we can comprehend when the truth begins to dawn on us. This is why ideas are so important. Some buzz in and are gone before we can capture them - but others work in little by little. Some seem too fantastic to consider - and then, one particular one keeps returning. Don't shove it aside. If its intent is good, if it serves a good purpose, entertain it. Remember that sometimes we entertain angels unaware. ~ The Great Spirit directs me. ~ YOUNG CHIEF - CAYUSE "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - June 13 "We have an old saying, Everything living must die. Only the rocks and mountains are forever." --Archie Fire Lame Deer, LAKOTA The Creator designed all life to happen in a circle. For example, the cycle of life for the human being is Baby, Youth, Adult, Elder, then we die. The trees and the leaves happen in a circle; the leaves bud, then the leaves mature, next the leaves change color and at last they fall off the tree to return to the Mother Earth. The birds bear their young, raise their young, then they die. The salmon are born, swim to the ocean, live their lives, swim back to the spawning grounds, then die. All aspects of the Life Cycle should be honored. Great Spirit, today, let me enjoy today. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* "THINK on THESE THINGS" By Joyce Sequichie Hifler First things and first times....the newness of the present moment holds such a breath of youth, such a challenge, there are moments in everyone's life they wish they could relive. Just to recall those times when the newness, the memory of first things were beautiful and exciting. But life never stands still. It moves forward or it decays. It cannot hold on to the past in any way. If the newness of first things has not grown into finer and more beautiful moments, then it cannot go on. Everyone can recall something so dear that it becomes new again just by thinking about it. Courage, love, joy, contentments, all these can call to mind the special moments that were beginnings of new eras, new times in living. The scales of life tip this way and that to make those times full of meaning and sometimes vividly painful. And then sometimes it takes a season to mend the heart and spirit. When they are ready, the experience of new times and new beginnings and first things will bloom once more and the youthful challenge again enchants. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Available online! 'Cherokee Feast of Days' By Joyce Sequichie Hifler. Visit her web site to purchase the wonderful books by Joyce as gifts for yourself or for loved ones......and also for those who don't have access to the Internet: http://www.hifler.com Click Here to Buy her books at Amazon.com Elder's Meditation of the Day By White Bison, Inc., an American Indian-owned nonprofit organization. Order their many products from their web site: http://www.whitebison.org   *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* If you would like to be added to The Daily Feast email list, CLICK HERE!

June 12 - Daily Feast

June 12 - Daily Feast If a lack of humility has built a wall from which to scoff, remember that all walls come tumbling down. No safe place exists for those whose ease and comfortable standing place makes it seem safe to crow and scoff. As the old saying goes, "Every dog has his day." And, we can't afford even one to backfire when we need things to work right. What we think is beneath us may be riding our shoulders in a very short time. Even the unloving person should see the signs and remember what seeds he has planted. ~ Complaint is just toward friends who have failed in their duty; accusation is against enemies guilty of injustice. ~ TECUMSEH - SHAWNEE "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - June 12 "The faces of our future generations are looking up to us from the earth and we step with great care not to disturb our grandchildren." --Traditional Circle of Elders The leaves, when they are finished with their life on the trees, will return to the Earth. The leaves that return to the Earth are the future trees. So inside the Mother Earth are the future forests. The human, when finished with its life on the Earth, will return to the Earth. So in the Earth are our future grandchildren. Knowing this, we should be respectful of the place where our future generations live. Only take from the Earth what you need. Every time you pick a plant or Medicine, leave an offering and leave a prayer. Be respectful and walk in a sacred way. Great Spirit, teach me to respect the place of future generations. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* "THINK on THESE THINGS" By Joyce Sequichie Hifler Haven't you heard someone say, after experiencing something either good or bad, "I knew it was going to be that way." And perhaps the conviction was very strong that certain conditions would take a definite turn. But much of the time we say it not our of conviction, but resignedly, agreeing beforehand that something will be a certain way, and usually with dire overtones. It used to be believed that we had no power to control anything coming to us. We were mere victims of circumstances, almost like stones waiting to be kicked aside. But we were taught, "As a man thinketh in his heart, so he is." We must not be so presumptuous as to believe we know everything there is to know about the workings of the mind. But we attract a great many of our problems simply by dwelling on them in our thoughts. Premonitions, or "knowing" things are going to be a certain way, is merely giving us a little time to head off trouble. Such things should be a challenge, not an accepted rule. "Know" better until you believe it into conviction and into being. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Available online! 'Cherokee Feast of Days' By Joyce Sequichie Hifler. Visit her web site to purchase the wonderful books by Joyce as gifts for yourself or for loved ones......and also for those who don't have access to the Internet: http://www.hifler.com Click Here to Buy her books at Amazon.com Elder's Meditation of the Day By White Bison, Inc., an American Indian-owned nonprofit organization. Order their many products from their web site: http://www.whitebison.org   *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* If you would like to be added to The Daily Feast email list, CLICK HERE!

June 11 - Daily Feast

June 11 - Daily Feast Deep wounds have been healed because someone cared enough to be patient and show kindness. How many times the pattern of our days has changed because someone comforted us instead of criticizing. Gentleness is good to recall when someone close to us does something wrong. Why wound when we can heal? Love does not tell us we are stupid but that we made a mistake and we're standing together until it passes. Security comes from knowing love like this. And if the bonding is weak the first time - try it again. ~ Yonder sky.... Has wept tears of compassion upon my people for centuries untold... ~ SEATTLE - SUQUAMISH "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - June 11 "Behold, my bothers, the spring has come; the earth has received the embraces of the sun and we shall soon see the results of that love!" --Sitting Bull, SIOUX Spring is the season of love. Spring is the season of new life, new relationships. It is the springtime that really reacts to the new position of Father Sun. New life forms all over the planet. Life is abundant. New cycles are created. Mother Earth changes colors, the flowers are abundant. It is the time for humans to observe nature and let nature create within us the feeling of Spring. We should let ourselves renew. We should let go of the feeling of Winter. We should be joyful and energetic. My Maker, let me, today, feel the feelings of Spring. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* "THINK on THESE THINGS" By Joyce Sequichie Hifler So you missed an opportunity! And they say that opportunity knocks only once - but, only if you believe it! Opportunity has been known to pound on the door and go unnoticed, and it has been known to whisper and be heard. It is all according to how hard we require opportunity to knock before we recognize it. Our awareness of opportunity will reveal to us how many times it presents itself; so subtle, it may not be recognized by the casual eye. And usually it seems to be completely unprofitable to us personally. More often than not it is service to others without thought of return. It is humility, a willingness to accept the most humble beginnings. It is joy in finding communication with others and finding a kinship with them. Have you heard of an opportunity fund? Some call it saving for a rainy day. Rainy days can be lovely, too. A rainy day can be an opportunity to get things done. But an opportunity can be any day, rain or shine. Do you often have the opportunity to speak to your neighbor? It seems to happen too infrequently these days. The most fun we can have comes when we've the opportunity to squelch an ugly rumor. You know, "curst be the tongue whence slanderous rumor, withering friendship's faith...." Sometimes a little friendship does wither, but if it really amounts to anything it will survive. What a splendid opportunity to sit quietly and mentally forgive with such depth and joy as to start life anew. There is no greater blessing, no greater opportunity fund. American editor A.E. Dunning writes, "Great opportunities come to all, but many do not know they have met them. The only preparation to take advantage of them, is simple fidelity to what each day brings." A missed opportunity may well be another opportunity to prepare for a bigger and better one! *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Available online! 'Cherokee Feast of Days' By Joyce Sequichie Hifler. Visit her web site to purchase the wonderful books by Joyce as gifts for yourself or for loved ones......and also for those who don't have access to the Internet: http://www.hifler.com Click Here to Buy her books at Amazon.com Elder's Meditation of the Day By White Bison, Inc., an American Indian-owned nonprofit organization. Order their many products from their web site: http://www.whitebison.org   *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* If you would like to be added to The Daily Feast email list, CLICK HERE!

June 10 - Daily Feast

June 10 - Daily Feast Worry is a nagging reminder that something is not quite right. But as one elderly Indian said, "No use getting under umbrella 'till it rains." And when the clouds come, put your hand to a job that has been waiting too long and do it thoroughly. Busy hands have eased many a worried mind and kept things in balance until something worked out. Even Emerson said that work is better than whiskey. There is a job well done - and no headache. What better way to be anxious for nothing! ~ He can stand torture, and is not afraid of death. He is no coward. Black Hawk is an Indian! ~ BLACK HAWK - SAUK "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - June 10 "Each day, whatever I am doing, I am always praying and thinking of God." --Thomas Yellowtail, CROW Have you ever tries going through your day and carrying on a conversation with the Creator? Many of our Elders live in prayer. They talk to the Creator like the Creator is their best friend. It is easiest to do this if we pray in the morning and ask the Great Spirit to direct our thinking. When the Creator in involved in guiding our lives, we will have less stress, anxiety and tension. Maybe this is something we would like to try today. "Oh, Creator, look at the Sun, how beautiful you have made it. Oh, look at this child, isn't she just beautiful! Well, Creator, I'm not sure how I should do this task, what do you think? This person is starting to irritate me; I need your help to redirect my thinking. Thanks for returning me to a peaceful mind." Remember, the Creator also has a sense of humor. Grandfather, Grandmother, let me walk in prayer *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* "THINK on THESE THINGS" By Joyce Sequichie Hifler There are very few days when we have control of our time. No matter what our schedules may be, there is always a change taking place that keeps something from happening when it is supposed to happen. And when the day is ended and our schedules have not been met, then it begins to drag on our spirits. Soon we become so wound up in the problems of the moment that the delights of our souls drift away and become a part of the mist of "someday." Someday I will get to do what I want to do. Someday when this necessary work is finished - and is it possible that the things we believe to be so necessary are really robbers of our lives? Do we spend too much time with the menial tasks and allow our creativity - the ability to bring newness into our lives - to dry up and become nonexistent? William Blake called this within us "God." One of the greatest poets ever to live, he believed that if we keep alive our ability to see and feel the beauty of life, our menial tasks will become easy and the way successful. Yesterday is only a dream, tomorrow only a vision, but today - we live. If we live as we should, our yesterdays will be dreams of happiness, and our tomorrow's will be visions of hope. Nothing is so sad as the man who spends all his time today judging tomorrow by his experiences of yesterday. He has a vision, but his faith does not support him to pursue it. If some great stroke of good fortune should overtake him, he will be ready to go, but he doesn't really expect it to happen. So today he sits waiting for the world to change for him, never guessing that he is the one who must change. No one is so misled as the woman who has such a busy schedule that she hasn't time to listen to her children. She expects to take the time to play with them - someday. But it is today that the bridges must be built from the soul to the body to the spirit. It isn't something built from a quick kiss or a smart smack in the right place, but from daily communion and understanding. Today is the very life of life when the best things are nearest - breath in our nostrils, light in our eyes, flowers at our feet, duties at our hand, and the path of God before us. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Available online! 'Cherokee Feast of Days' By Joyce Sequichie Hifler. Visit her web site to purchase the wonderful books by Joyce as gifts for yourself or for loved ones......and also for those who don't have access to the Internet: http://www.hifler.com Click Here to Buy her books at Amazon.com Elder's Meditation of the Day By White Bison, Inc., an American Indian-owned nonprofit organization. Order their many products from their web site: http://www.whitebison.org   *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* If you would like to be added to The Daily Feast email list, CLICK HERE!

June 9 - Daily Feast

June 9 - Daily Feast Timing is said to be the essence of excellence. But such wisdom has to do with whose timing it is. If we wait around until we feel the time is perfect, we may be waiting a long time. Waiting can turn into lethargy and lethargy into sleep. What good is timing when a person is not awake. But when a beginning is made with honest effort - looking neither to the right or the left for approval or for signs that things are working, the grace will come. It will kick in at the precise moment it is needed to give substance and form to the faith. ~ Now is our time! Fight! ~ LOOKING GLASS - NEZ PERCE "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - June 9 "Every part of this soil is sacred in the estimation of my people. Every hillside, every valley, every plain and grove, has been hallowed by some sad or happy event in days long vanished." --Chief Sealth, DUWAMISH Native people say the Earth is sacred. Some places on Earth will feel more sacred than others. You can often feel the sacredness of these places because of what has happened on them. If you do a ceremony on a certain place and return later, whatever happened before will still be there to help you. Even if someone you didn't know did something on the Earth and you come along later, the powers will be there to help you. This is why the Earth is sacred and these special places are sacred spots. My Creator, let the powers of the sacred places help the people today. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* "THINK on THESE THINGS" By Joyce Sequichie Hifler To so many, getting up in the morning is the worst way to begin a day. To them every morning is the morning after, a time to feel nervous anxiety and regret in the deepest sense, while to others morning is a whole new world. Yesterday ceased to be with sleep last night. How much better off we'd be if only for a few hours we could put out of our minds every painful thought and every unpleasant person until the mind and body could find enough new life to begin again. "The early morning hath gold in its mouth," wrote Franklin. But it has things more precious than gold. It has life as fresh and sweet as the shimmering, clinging dewdrops in the first rays of golden sunlight. It has the grace of mimosa leaves rippling in the gentlest breeze. It has the songs of the birds and the love of a new awakening. And in this breathless creation is something more. A new opportunity, another chance, a challenge to walk on, more strong, more forgiving, more loving. Sleep deep and rest sweet, but rise glad. Don't let one joyful second be lost in dead oblivion. This is a vision of newness awaiting even the least to arise and accept the best - a new beginning. Morning need not be jury trial for oneself. Dawn and sleep can be a miraculous cleansing to set us out on our feet ready to begin again and in a friendlier atmosphere. We must feel friendly toward ourselves before we can possibly find morning good to anyone else. An unknown writer once wrote, "Every morning lean thine arms awhile upon the window sill of heaven, and gaze upon thy Lord, then, with the vision in thy heart, turn strong to meet thy day." We need to be strong to meet the day with self control, to find out reason and purpose, but, more important, to leave behind us the heavy and darkened thoughts that kept us from seeing the breathtaking beauty of the most important time - this morning. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Available online! 'Cherokee Feast of Days' By Joyce Sequichie Hifler. Visit her web site to purchase the wonderful books by Joyce as gifts for yourself or for loved ones......and also for those who don't have access to the Internet: http://www.hifler.com Click Here to Buy her books at Amazon.com Elder's Meditation of the Day By White Bison, Inc., an American Indian-owned nonprofit organization. Order their many products from their web site: http://www.whitebison.org   *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* If you would like to be added to The Daily Feast email list, CLICK HERE!